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  BANDITS STRIKE CHURCH IN KWARA: WORSHIPPERS ABDUCTED IN SHOCKING ATTACK Chaos erupted in Omugo community, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, as armed bandits stormed an ECWA Church during Sunday morning service, abducting worshippers and sending the congregation fleeing in terror. Sources report that at least seven people were kidnapped before security forces could intervene. In a swift and coordinated response, joint security operatives, including forest guards and local vigilantes, rescued three victims, though several remain in captivity. Bolanle Olukoju, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, condemned the brazen attack, describing it as “cowardly and unacceptable,” and praised the rapid action of security agencies. She confirmed that efforts are ongoing to free the remaining abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice.  The incident follows earlier intelligence warnings of potential coordinated attacks in Kwara South, prompting deployment of military, paramilitary, an...

 Boston secures nearly $47 million in federal funding for 2026 FIFA World Cup       Boston has been awarded nearly $47 million in federal funding to support its role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city is one of 11 U.S. locations to receive a portion of the $625 million allocated to enhance public safety and operational planning for the international tournament. The funding will help cover expenses for Boston’s fan festival and the seven World Cup matches scheduled at Gillette Stadium, which are expected to attract around 2 million attendees. The announcement follows a recent agreement between Patriots owner Bob Kraft, the Boston Host Committee, and Foxborough town officials on financing for the games. Foxborough also approved the necessary event license this week. “This is a defining global moment for Massachusetts, and we're committed to delivering a world-class event that will drive lasting economic and cultural impact across the region,” said Mike Loynd, CE...

 Kansas governor signs statewide ban on student cellphones and personal devices during school hours     Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a law banning the use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices for students throughout the entire school day, prompting Kansas City-area school districts to revise their policies. The law, which takes effect this fall, applies to both public and private schools and covers class time, lunch, recess, and passing periods. Students will be prohibited from using phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal communication devices, though exceptions are allowed for individualized education programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and physician-approved medical needs. School-issued devices and virtual learning are not affected. Kelly described the measure as a “commonsense approach” aimed at reducing distractions and mitigating the impact of smartphones and social media on learning, academic performance, and student mental ...

 RE: BREAKING: INSPECTOR-GENERAL DISU DISBANDS ALL POLICE UNITS, SQUADS AT STATE COMMANDS, ORDERS IMMEDIATE RESTRUCTURING. The attention of the Inspector-General of Police has been drawn to the above-captioned story recently circulated by some online media outlets. The publication stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, directed the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units operating across state commands nationwide. This report is a misrepresentation of the IGP’s directives. The IGP, a grassroots officer with a profound network across Nigerian society, is aware of public concerns about police tactical teams’ operations and the creation of multiple teams by Commissioners of Police and Heads of formations, with attendant backlash. Having held command positions nationwide and witnessed tactical teams in action, the IGP values their contribution to crime-fighting. He is however uncomfortable with their proliferation, which drains Police Divisions and Pos...

 The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has issued a strong warning against any form of rigging or manipulation in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the group and the people of the South-East will resist such attempts through lawful and collective means. In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL emphasized that electoral outcomes must be determined solely by verifiable performance and track records, not by propaganda, inducements, or institutional interference. “Any attempt—by any individual, political party, or institution—to tamper with the electoral process will be met with lawful, collective, and absolute resistance by the people,” the statement read. The youth coalition asserted that the days of stolen votes and imposed mandates are over, pointing to the growing political awareness, vigilance, and readiness among the people of the region to defend their choices within the bounds of the law. “Only leaders w...

 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has made a passionate appeal to former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to other platforms, urging them to return home and help rebuild the party. The senator delivered the call on Saturday during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee in Abuja, an event seen as a key step in the party’s recovery efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing party faithful, Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the value that returning members would bring, including their experience, institutional memory, and shared commitment to a better Nigeria. She expressed optimism that the inauguration signals a genuine turning point for the PDP, which has seen its Senate caucus shrink dramatically from 37 to just 6 senators largely due to prolonged internal leadership crises and defections. “When I asked colleagues why they left, they mentioned internal disputes. I’m saying to them: trust me, ...

 Shettima arrives Lagos to brief Tinubu on Maiduguri situation Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Lagos to brief President Bola Tinubu on his on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in Maiduguri, Borno State, following his recent visit to the region. Shettima’s visit comes after last Monday’s deadly suicide bombings at three Maiduguri locations, which claimed at least 23 lives and injured more than 100 others. In a post on his verified X account on Sunday, Shettima said his visit to Maiduguri was undertaken at the instance of the President to engage with families and communities affected by recent tragic incidents in the state. “The Vice President will brief the President on the outcome of his visit to Maiduguri to see families and communities affected by the tragic incidents in Borno State, as well as his on-the-spot assessment of the situation on the ground. “Thereafter, Vice President @KashimSM is expected to lead serving governors on Sallah homage to the Pre...

 The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has stated that it was unaware of the alleged sexual assaults and molestation of women during an annual festival in Ozoro, Delta State, because the agency currently has no operational command in the state. The clarification came on Saturday in response to public criticism on social media questioning why NAPTIP had not acted earlier on what some described as a long-standing “tradition” involving harassment of women. A Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, had challenged the agency: “Did the festival start this month that NAPTIP Nigeria did not know about it before now? Well, since the evil and criminal act is tagged as tradition, I believe it has passed many generations. What were you doing since then?” In its reply, NAPTIP explained: “As you know, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Currently, we do not have a command yet in Delta State. Fighting this menace needs an approach from all of society. If you see s...

 ADO CHAIRMAN HAILS ALIA, SECURITY AGENCIES AS COURT JAILS 9 KIDNAPPERS IN BENUE  A court has convicted nine out of ten suspects linked to the abduction of worshippers at St. John Catholic Church in Ojeji community, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, in a case that drew widespread concern over security in the area. The victims were kidnapped during a night vigil, prompting swift intervention by joint security operatives. Acting on credible intelligence, authorities launched coordinated operations that led to the safe rescue of all nine victims without casualties. The Police Intelligence Response Team led initial operations, arresting four suspects and recovering AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Further investigations resulted in additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to ten. Among those apprehended were Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim. Their arrests provided critical leads that helped dismantle the criminal network. Following arraignment, nine suspects...

 TIV COMMUNITIES IN TARABA RAISE ALARM OVER THREATS, URGE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES TO ACT Residents of Ikyaior, Jandekyula, and Vaase communities in Taraba State have raised fresh concerns over looming security threats, calling on the state government and security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent possible attacks. The affected communities, predominantly Tiv settlements located between Wukari and Kente, have an estimated combined population of about 50,000 people. Locals say their location has made them increasingly exposed to security risks. While neighbouring Sondi and Kente benefit from strong military presence, residents noted that Vaase has only limited security coverage, leaving Ikyaior and Jandekyula particularly vulnerable. Community sources disclosed that the areas have recently received threats of attack from suspected armed groups, heightening fears among residents. The development has triggered anxiety, with many calling for proactive measures to avert a po...

 Tom Skerritt, 92, wows fans at meet-and-greet 40 years after 'Top Gun' At 92, Tom Skerritt continues to captivate fans with his enduring presence and charm.  The veteran actor recently attended a fan meet-and-greet, where movie lovers celebrated his decades-long career that began with Harold and Maude in 1971.  Social media posts from the event showed Skerritt warmly engaging with admirers, signing autographs, and sharing stories from his extensive filmography.  Fans praised him as a “national treasure,” with many recalling standout performances in Poison Ivy, Poltergeist, and the original MASH* film. Skerritt’s legacy is defined by his ability to bring calm authority and emotional depth to his roles. His portrayal of Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in Top Gun remains iconic, grounding the high-energy film with mentor-like wisdom.  Audiences also remember his nuanced performances in Steel Magnolias and A River Runs Through It, where he starred opposite Brad Pitt...

SANWO-OLU PREACHES SUSTENANCE OF RAMADAN VIRTUES AS LAGOS FIRST FAMILY HOSTS MUSLIM FAITHFUL FOR EID CELEBRATION  The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Muslim faithful to sustain the virtues of discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan. The Governor spoke on Saturday at the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration hosted by the Lagos First Family in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs at Lagos House, Ikeja. Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister (Mrs. ) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasised that the lessons of Ramadan go beyond the fasting period and should reflect in daily conduct, relationships, and service to humanity. He noted that values such as selflessness, tolerance, and generosity are critical to building a more peaceful, united, and prosperous society, particularly in a diverse state like Lagos. “Ramadan teaches us discipline, love, an...

 FIRST LADY DECRIES SEXUAL ASSAULT INCIDENTS DURING ALUE-DO FESTIVAL IN OZORO Nigeria's First Lady,  Oluremi Tinubu has called.on the Nigeria Police Force  and other relevant authorities to ensure that all involved in sexual assault on girls during the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA of Delta State face the full weight of the law.  In a statement condemning the horific viral video, showing girls sexually assaulted, subjected to degrading and barbaric treatment during what was supposed to be a community festival, the First Lady says while she holds deep respect for the diverse rich cultures and traditions that make us who we are as a people, no such tradition or custom grants any man the right to violate  the dignity or freedom of any woman or girl. She commended the police for the arrests already made and urged the victims of the unfortunate incident to seek relevant medical and psychological help, while praying for their healing, peace and strength a...

 Arsenal’s dream of quadruple title this season is over after losing to Manchester City in Carabao Cup final Manchester City has won the Carabao Cup final after defeating Arsenal 2 - 0  at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Nico O’Reilly’s second-half double was the decisive factor as City won the League Cup for a ninth time with the victory over Arsenal. The 20-year-old Academy graduate was the hero from left-back, getting into the box twice in five minutes to head home and ensure an unforgettable occasion. Two headers from the 21-year-old in the space of four second-half minutes won it for Pep Guardiola’s side. O’Reilly’s first goal came from a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga, but his second was a brilliant header following a fine cross from Matheus Nunes.  It means yet more history for coach Pep Guardiola, who has now claimed 19 major honours as City boss and becomes the first manager to win this competition five times. The defeat, however, ended Arsenal’s dream of a quadruple ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE WE WILL NOT ALLOW INSECURITY TO OVERSHADOW OUR EFFORTS AT HELPING THE VULNERABLE, PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS   President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday in Lagos, said his administration will intensify efforts to tackle the challenges of insecurity across various parts of the country, assuring that the safety and well-being of citizens featured at the meetings held in the United Kingdom.  President Tinubu, who hosted the Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos home for the Eid el-Fitr, said that he had followed up on support for modern security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron. “Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness.  “The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.  “I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Ins...

 'Be parents and not friends': Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys slammed after ex airs out troubling allegations about his teenage daughter Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have unexpectedly found themselves at the center of a public family dispute after UK singer Jahna Sebastian, who shares a teenage daughter with Swizz, took to social media with explosive claims.  Sebastian accused the couple of creating an environment that undermines her parenting, alleging that their household exposed her daughter to vaping, edibles, and a celebrity-driven lifestyle lacking structure.  She further claimed that tensions at home escalated to the point where her daughter became physical during an argument, prompting Sebastian to go public in hopes of “saving her child.” In her posts, Sebastian painted a picture of conflicting parenting styles, insisting that her rules against drugs and excessive screen time were disregarded when her daughter spent time with Swizz and Keys.  She even shared a v...

Pope Leo describes Middle East war as a ‘scandal’ to humanity     Pope Leo on Sunday condemned the ongoing war in the Middle East, calling the death and suffering it has caused a “scandal to the whole human family” and urging an immediate ceasefire. Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, the pope said he follows the conflict, along with other war-torn regions, with “dismay.” He emphasized the moral responsibility to respond to the plight of civilians caught in the fighting. “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenseless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity,” Leo said. He renewed his call for prayer and action to end hostilities and create a path toward lasting peace.

Star Trek icon William Shatner turns 95 William Shatner, the legendary actor best known for his iconic role in Star Trek, is celebrating his 95th birthday on Sunday. Sharing a celebratory message on X, Shatner wrote, “At 95, I'm still smokin’! I’ve learned two things: Never waste a good cigar. Never trust anyone who says you should ‘act your age.’” The post included photos of him outdoors, looking fit and happy while enjoying a cigar. Beyond Star Trek, Shatner has appeared in shows and films including My Life Is Murder, TJ Hooker, Boston Legal, and Miss Congeniality. In 2021, he made headlines by taking a sub-orbital space flight with Blue Origin, further cementing his reputation as a bold and adventurous figure both on and off screen.

 CP ORUTUGU CONDOLES VICTIMS, VISITS SCENE OF FIRE INCIDENT AT PLUMBING MARKET, HEADBRIDGE, ONITSHA The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, commiserates with victims of the fire incident that occurred at the Plumbing Market, Headbridge, Onitsha, while also assessing the extent of damage at the scene. During the visit today, 22nd March 2026, CP Orutugu expressed deep sympathy to those affected by the unfortunate incident and assured them of the Command’s support, particularly in ensuring the security of lives and property in the area to prevent further losses or exploitation by criminal elements. The CP, while assessing the scene, noted that preliminary information suggests the fire may have been caused by heat generated from the storage of inflammable materials, particularly pipes, and possible non-adherence to fire safety regulations. As investigations into the incident continue, the Commissioner of Police commended the swift response...

 Chappell Roan criticized, mocked after incident with Jude Law's child Chappell Roan has come under fire online after being accused of upsetting Jude Law’s daughter during a recent encounter in São Paulo.  According to soccer player Jorginho, who is the girl’s stepfather, Roan’s security guard confronted his wife Catherine Harding and her 11-year-old daughter, allegedly accusing the child of harassment.  Jorginho explained that his stepdaughter, Ada Law, had simply smiled at the singer while passing her table at breakfast, but was later reduced to tears when the guard approached aggressively. Jorginho criticized the incident in lengthy Instagram posts, insisting that his daughter’s actions were innocent admiration rather than harassment.  He described the guard’s behavior as unnecessarily harsh, claiming he even threatened to file a complaint with the hotel.  Harding, also known as singer Cat Cavelli, reposted her husband’s statements and shared photos of Ada at...

 Keith Urban’s daughters ‘cut off contact’ with singer amid parents’ divorce: ‘He feels erased’ Keith Urban’s personal life has reportedly unraveled following his split from Nicole Kidman after nearly twenty years of marriage.  The couple divorced in September, citing irreconcilable differences, with Kidman granted primary custody of their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith.  While Urban has continued touring and presenting a composed image publicly, insiders claim his relationship with his children has deteriorated, leaving him feeling increasingly isolated. Sources suggest that the distance between Urban and his daughters has grown significantly since the divorce, with the girls allegedly cutting off contact altogether.  Despite his efforts to remain patient, Urban is said to feel erased from their lives, particularly after Sunday Rose publicly praised Kidman as her greatest inspiration without mentioning him.  Observers note that the girls’ loyalty lies firmly ...

 Cuba begins emergency power restoration after second nationwide blackout in a week amid US oil restrictions     Cuba began early Sunday efforts to restore power after its electrical grid collapsed for the second time in a week, a setback the government linked to a U.S. oil blockade that has strained the island’s fragile energy infrastructure. The nationwide blackout began Saturday evening at 6:32 p.m. local time after a major power plant in Nuevitas, Camaguey province, went offline, leaving roughly 10 million residents without electricity. Officials said microsystems—smaller, closed circuits—were established in all provinces to provide electricity for essential services such as hospitals, water systems, and food distribution. Gas-fired plants in Varadero and Boca de Jaruco were running, and power had reached the nearby Santa Cruz oil-fired facility. Residents in Havana reported crowded streets and widespread disruption, with cell service and internet largely unavailable....

 Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warn they will fully close the Strait of Hormuz if Trump acts on threats targeting Iranian energy  Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Sunday that the country will fully close the strategic Strait of Hormuz if U.S. President Trump follows through on threats to strike Iranian energy facilities. Trump had issued a warning Saturday that he would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants unless Tehran reopened the Strait within 48 hours, signaling a major escalation just a day after mentioning plans to “wind down” the conflict, now entering its fourth week. The Revolutionary Guards also said that any companies with U.S. ownership would face “complete destruction” if Iranian energy sites were attacked, and energy facilities in countries hosting U.S. bases would be considered legitimate targets.

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND   PRESS RELEASE   The Editors,  BAUCHI POLICE ARRESTED AN INSIDER KIDNAPPING/CULPABLE HOMICIDE SUSPECT The detectives of ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters, Bauchi, led by the DPO, arrested a suspect following a report on 21st March at 1100hrs by Salisu Yunusa of Nasarawa Madina Quarters that his 4-year-old son, Yunusa Salisu, went missing on 18th March at about 0930hrs. The father disclosed that he received a call on 19th March from a private number demanding ₦500,000 ransom and paid ₦100,000 without seeing the child. Investigation led to the arrest of Rabiu Safiyanu, a 20yrs old of the same address, a friend of the complainant’s younger brother with free access to the house. He confessed to taking the victim, strangling him, dumping the body at Warinje Hills, and demanding further ransom. Police recovered the decomposing corpse with marks of strangulation and a rope suspected to have been used in the act. The Officer in Charge of Police C...

 FG Introduces Learner Identification Number (LIN), Plans to Scrap Common Entrance The Federal Government has unveiled plans to introduce a Learner Identification Number (LIN) for pupils from primary school level, in a bid to monitor their academic journey and tackle the alarming dropout rate across the country. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, noting that the initiative will assign a unique number to every child, regardless of where they begin or continue their education. According to him, the system will help authorities track students’ progress and identify those who fail to transition to the next level. “If a child is expected to be in JSS1 and is not there, we will know and find out why,” he said. Alausa expressed concern over the sharp drop in enrollment, revealing that out of over 23 million pupils in more than 50,000 public primary schools nationwide, only about 3 million proceed to junior secon...

 NIGERIA POLICE ARRESTS SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER,RECOVER AK-47 RIFLE Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in combating criminalities across the state. A statement by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Ramhan Nansel indicates that Saleh Hassan, a Thirty Two Year old native of Rugan Hassan, Audu Community in Awe Local Government Area was arrested based on intelligent information  Upon the arrest, a search conducted on him led to the recovery of One AK - 49 rifle along with Four rounds of Live 7. 56 millimeter ammunition  In the meantime, the suspect and the exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigations and further action. Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of police CP. Shetima Jauro Mohammed reiterates resolve of the Command to ensuring safety and security of all residents and urge the public to continue providing timely and credible information in support of ongo...

 FMINO PRESS RELEASE Nigerian Security Agencies Working Around the Clock to Ensure Safety of Citizens, Information Minister tells BBC The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that its security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the safety of citizens, whilst taking deliberate and sustained steps to strengthen security across the country, with a clear focus on protecting lives and property and preventing further attacks. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave this assurance in an interview with the BBC’s Victoria Uwonkunda, published via YouTube, yesterday at   https://youtu.be/qA1kQeluZ7w?si=wJvya9fpDNL9dXFx,  where he addressed the role of intelligence services following recent security concerns, including the attack in Maiduguri.  Idris tacitly rejected the notion of a failure on the part of the Nigeria’s security agencies, saying, “I don’t think they failed. I think that more work needs to be done. Ni...

 NDLEA intercepts opioids, meth in carton walls, winter jackets, cream at Lagos airport - Recovers large consignments of illicit drugs in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, Adamawa raids     Desperate attempts by members of Drug Trafficking Organisations (DTOs) to move consignments of illicit substances especially methamphetamine and opioids concealed in wals of carton, winter jackets and body cream containers to countries in Europe have been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja and a courier firm in Lagos. Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested. One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka was going to Rome, Italy on Friday 20th March 2026 when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in conta...

Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a significant modification to their long-standing stance on blood transfusions, allowing members to decide whether to store and later use their own blood for medical procedures. The update, described as a “clarification” by the denomination’s governing body, means individuals may now choose to have their blood drawn and preserved in advance for use during surgeries where significant blood loss is expected. However, the organisation has maintained its prohibition on receiving blood transfusions from others, a core and controversial element of its teachings. Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch said the change followed “extensive prayer and consideration,” emphasising that personal conscience should guide decisions regarding the use of one’s own blood. “Each Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be used in all medical and surgical care,” he said. The belief stems from the group’s interpretation of biblical passages instructing followers...

 Ondo Police arrest three suspects linked to alleged kidnapping of mother in the presence of her child in Akure The Ondo State Police command have arrested three suspects and rescued three in connection with an alleged kidnapping incident captured on a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera in Oda, Akure. The arrest followed the circulation of CCTV footage on social media showing the abduction of a victim by suspected criminals in the Oda area of Akure. The victim, a female,was abducted in front of her child. The CCTV footage captured the moment the child ran into the house immediately the assailants abducted the victim. In a statement released on Sunday, March 22, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said upon receiving the footage, the command immediately activated its intelligence team, leveraging digital surveillance analysis and coordinated field operations to identify and apprehend the suspects. Jimoh mentioned that while acting on credible intelligence and investi...