PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 TRAGEDY AT RICE MILL JUNCTION AS DANGOTE TRUCK CRUSHES MAN TO DEATH IN GBOKO  A tragic accident has claimed the life of a yet-to-be-identified man after a truck reportedly belonging to Dangote Group crushed him at Rice Mill Junction in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. Residents say the busy junction is known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents involving trucks and commercial vehicles. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred suddenly, leaving bystanders in shock. The victim was reportedly killed on the spot before help could arrive. Hiifan Zendesha described the situation as chaotic, with passersby gathering shortly after the crash. “It happened so fast. The man didn’t stand a chance,” an eyewitness said.

 TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI NEUTRALISE TERRORISTS, THWART ATTACKS, ARREST TERRORISTS, DISRUPT LOGISTICS NETWORKS IN NORTH EAST Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, recording significant successes including the neutralisation of insurgents, arrest of suspects and disruption of logistics networks across the theatre of OPHK between 31 March and 4 April 2026.  In a major operational breakthrough, troops of OPHK under Sector 2,  deployed  at Geidam, in conjunction with  operatives of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) , acting on credible intelligence, engaged terrorist logistics suppliers near Geidam. Following a fierce encounter, three terrorists were neutralised while a logistics-laden vehicle was disabled. Recovered items included food supplies, mobile phones and other materials intended for terrorist camps. Similarly, troops of OPHK  successfully ambu...

  21 dead dogs wash ashore on Guemes Island in eerie, unexplained discovery Guemes Island in Washington is facing a chilling mystery after 21 dead dogs were found washed ashore in recent days, leaving officials and residents stunned. Authorities have yet to determine the origin of the canines, which were discovered along the shores and in the waters surrounding the roughly eight-mile-long island, about a five-minute boat ride from Anacortes. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Department said the dogs were handed over to a forensic veterinarian for necropsies and DNA testing. Most of the carcasses were found near Kelly’s Point, with additional remains discovered during searches by boat and on foot. Some dogs were skinned, a few had missing front paws, and two had orange twine around their necks. Residents described the scene as eerie, with speculation swirling about possible sources, including passing tankers or breeders on nearby islands. Officials have not confirmed whether the dogs were...

 Blake Lively vows to fight on after judge dismisses most sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni  Actress Blake Lively said she will continue her fight after a federal judge dismissed most of her sexual harassment claims against her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. In a detailed 152-page ruling Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims, including harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. Three claims—breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation—were allowed to proceed to trial, which is set for May 18. Lively shared a statement on Instagram Friday, expressing gratitude that the case will move forward to trial, giving her the chance to “tell [her] story in full.” She said the lawsuit stemmed from ongoing retaliation she faced after privately and professionally advocating for a safe working environment for herself and others. Lively also encouraged potential victims to speak out about ...

Deontay Wilder edges Derek Chisora in chaotic London heavyweight bout, sending rival into retirement  Former world champion Deontay Wilder narrowly defeated Derek Chisora in a turbulent heavyweight clash at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, prompting Chisora to announce his retirement from boxing. The 40-year-old Wilder and 42-year-old Chisora exchanged heavy, hopeful punches while rarely using jabs, with both fighters slipping and hitting the canvas multiple times. Wilder scored the fight’s only knockdown in the eighth round, sending Chisora through the ropes, though he was also docked a point for pushing. Chisora shook off the knockdown, but Wilder did not aggressively pursue a finish. Wilder controlled the early rounds, while Chisora staged a late rally, leaving the judges split: two scored in favor of Wilder, 115-111 and 115-113, and one gave Chisora a 115-112 edge. After the fight, Wilder said he had intentionally gone easy on Chisora. “Tonight, I looked out for him, I want him t...

 Russian drone strike on Nikopol market kills five, injures 19 in latest Ukraine attack A Russian drone strike on a busy market in Nikopol, Ukraine, killed five people and left at least 19 others injured on Saturday, local officials reported. The victims included three women and two men, while among the injured was a 14-year-old girl. Nikopol, located in southeastern Ukraine just across the Dnipro River from territory currently occupied by Russia, is frequently targeted due to its proximity to the frontlines. The Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office condemned the attack as “yet another war crime by Russia.” Overnight, the nearby city of Sumy also came under assault, leaving 11 people wounded and damaging residential buildings and utility networks. In Kyiv, a three-story office building was struck, causing a fire on the first floor. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting 260 of the 286 drone strikes launched at the country during the overnight attacks.

 Hiker critically injured after more than 100 bee stings on Arizona’s Lookout Mountain    A hiker is recovering after being stung more than 100 times by bees on Lookout Mountain in Arizona, authorities said. The Phoenix Fire Department responded around 10 a.m. Saturday, after receiving reports of a man stung repeatedly near the mountain summit. Rescue crews found the hiker unable to descend on his own. Firefighters used a helicopter hoist, known as Firebird 10, to bring him safely down. He was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Bees are common on Lookout Mountain, with nearly all wild bees in Arizona being Africanized honey bees, often called “killer bees” for their aggressive behavior and protection of hives. These bees, a hybrid of European and African subspecies, were accidentally released in Brazil in the 1950s and have spread north into the United States. Africanized honey bees tend to sting more when threatene...

 CNG Bus Explosion Rocks Kaduna Motor Park, Several Buses Destroyed A powerful explosion early Sunday morning sent shockwaves through the Mando Garage Motor Park in Kaduna, destroying multiple vehicles, including two luxury buses, according to SaharaReporters.  The blast occurred around 4:00 AM, causing panic among drivers, passengers, and bystanders at the busy transport hub.  Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion originated from a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered bus operated by Silver Travel & Luxury Bus.  The force of the blast was so strong that it engulfed a second luxury bus parked nearby. Eyewitnesses described a deafening sound followed by a sudden eruption of flames and thick black smoke that quickly covered the area.  Several smaller vehicles in the vicinity were also damaged in the incident. Digital creator Mahmud Ahmad Abubakar, who visited the site, posted photos showing the charred remains of the buses, with frames of one luxury ...

 Kaduna Easter Church Attack: 31 Hostages Rescued, 5 Dead In Swift Military Operation Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully thwarted a terrorist attack in Ariko Village, located in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, rescuing 31 civilians abducted during an Easter church service. The incident took place at an ECWA Church during Easter celebrations, triggering a distress call that prompted an immediate military response.  Acting quickly and with support from local residents, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the hostages. Among those rescued was one injured victim, now receiving medical care. Sadly, five individuals lost their lives in the attack, and their bodies were recovered at the scene. Reports also indicated that the fleeing attackers may have suffered heavy casualties, as blood trails were seen along their escape paths. In the aftermath, the Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to pursue the attackers, deploying...

 Troops Foil Terrorists Attack On Church; Rescue Victims In Ariko, Kachia LGA Kaduna State Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a terrorist attack on a church in Kaduna State and rescued 31 civilians abducted during an Easter service in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area. A statement by the Nigerian Army says, the successful rescue followed a swift response to a distress call on the abduction of worshippers during a service at an ECWA Church in the community.  Troops moved quickly to the scene with  support from the local residents, launched a pursuit of the fleeing attackers. The troops  engaged and overwhelmed the terrorists  with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to abandon 31 victims. The terrorists had killed five persons before the rescue operation, but their bodies were recovered. The fleeing terrorists were believed to have suffered casualties, as blood trails were discovered along their escape routes. Troops  intensified pursui...

 Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph Baena Continues Bodybuilding Winning Streak During Second Competition Joseph Baena’s dedication in the gym is clearly paying off. The 28-year-old fitness enthusiast and actor has added another major victory to his growing bodybuilding journey after winning at the INBA Iron Gladiator competition in California on Saturday, April 4. Fresh off multiple wins just a week earlier, Joseph stepped on stage once again and walked away as the INBA Iron Gladiator Classic Physique Champion, earning his pro card in the process. Sharing the proud moment on Instagram, he posted photos of himself on stage holding a sword and shield, beaming with excitement. “Your new INBA Iron Gladiator Classic Physique Champion,” he captioned the snaps. What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that Joseph revealed this was only his second bodybuilding show ever. Speaking in an interview shared on Instagram ahead of the event, he admitted the journey has been a long one....

 Mel B breaks silence on Beckham family drama, says ‘I don’t give advice on anybody else’s kids’ Mel B has made it clear she is staying out of the ongoing Beckham family drama. The former Spice Girls star was recently asked about the highly publicised rift involving David Beckham, Victoria Beckham and their eldest son Brooklyn Beckham, but she firmly declined to get involved. Speaking in a fresh interview, the singer, who shares a long history with Victoria through the Spice Girls, said she does not interfere in matters involving other people’s children. “You know what? If my kids want advice, I give them it,” Mel said. She continued, “I don’t give advice on anybody else’s kids. And if I did, I wouldn’t tell you about it, because that’s private.” Her comments come amid reports that communication within the Beckham family has become severely strained following an explosive statement allegedly released by Brooklyn. According to reports, Brooklyn accused his parents of placing public ...

 Kristin Cavallari says her 3 kids are uninterested in her fame and reveals if they’ve watched "Laguna Beach" Kristin Cavallari may be recognized by many for her reality TV fame, but to her children she insists she is simply “Mom.”  At the premiere of The Reunion: Laguna Beach in Santa Monica on March 26, the podcast host reflected on how her kids view her past on television.  Despite the show’s cultural impact since its 2004 debut, Cavallari explained that her children see her fame as something separate from their everyday relationship with her. Her three children Camden, 13, Jaxon, 11, and Saylor, 10, whom she shares with ex-husband Jay Cutler have only caught glimpses of Laguna Beach.  Cavallari noted that they find the series dull and have no interest in watching full episodes.  Now that they are older, she can openly discuss her experiences with them, but they remain largely unimpressed by the show that once defined her public image. Cavallari emphasized th...

 Why Tori Spelling has no interest in dating after Dean McDermott split Tori Spelling has chosen to step away from the dating scene, focusing instead on personal growth and professional ambitions.  Following her separation from Dean McDermott, the Beverly Hills, 90210 star explained that romance isn’t a priority right now.  She described herself as being in a “power era,” intent on rebuilding and reinventing her life while channeling energy into new ventures. The actress, who shares five children with McDermott, emphasized that her second chapter is about building businesses and expanding her empire.  Dating, she noted, can wait until later. For now, she is determined to maintain momentum in her career and embrace independence, seeing this period as an opportunity to redefine herself beyond her past relationships. Despite ending their 17-year marriage in 2023 and finalizing divorce later that year, Spelling and McDermott remain committed to co-parenting.  She hi...

 Floods kill 15 people in Angola Torrential rains have swept across Angola, killing 15 people and flooding over 4,000 homes, emergency services said on Sunday, AFP reported. The hours-long storm triggered flash floods that inundated streets and damaged infrastructure in the capital Luanda and the southern city of Benguela on the country's Atlantic coast. Benguela bore the brunt of the devastation, with 12 deaths reported there and three in Luanda, the fire service said, citing a preliminary report. "I've lost almost everything," said Natalia, a resident of Luanda's Kilamba neighbourhood. Zambezi River water levels surge Her family had moved their children and grandchildren to stay with relatives, she told AFP. In the neighbouring Namibia, the Zambezi River has risen sharply, forcing thousands of people living along its banks to flee their homes. Officials said water levels had reached about 6.8 metres (22 feet), well above the usual four metres. Authorities have r...

 UNACCEPTABLE – GOV. ALIA BLASTS MBALOM KILLINGS, ASSURES JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS  Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has condemned the latest attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, while assuring residents of intensified efforts to protect lives and property. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor reacted to reports of an assault by suspected armed herdsmen on the community, an incident that adds to recurring security concerns in parts of the state. Alia said the attack represents a direct threat to the peace and security of Benue, noting a disturbing pattern of what he described as calculated and selective assaults. He expressed sympathy to affected families and reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront criminal elements. The governor also commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their swift response, adding that operatives are already...

 PREGNANT WOMAN DELIVERS TWINS IN BUSH TREKKING TO CLINIC IN BENUE  A pregnant woman, identified as Msendoo Iorlumun, has delivered a set of twin boys in a bush along her route to a health facility in Benue State. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday as the woman was trekking from Jotar to the Abaki Health Clinic in Mbangur. According to Mr Baba Igba Igba who shared the account, the expectant mother had set out for medical care when she suddenly went into labour. With the health centre still some distance away, she became weak and could not continue the journey. She eventually delivered the babies near St. Pius Catholic Church, Abaki Mbangur, without immediate medical assistance. Despite the difficult circumstances, both the mother and her newborn twin boys were said to be safe, drawing relief and gratitude from members of the community. The development has again highlighted concerns over access to healthcare facilities in rural parts of the state, where residents often ...

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH PROFESSOR ATTAHIRU JEGA ON THE PASSING OF HIS WIFE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condoled with Professor Attahiru Jega, the special adviser on livestock development, on the passing of his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the Janazah prayer for the late Hadiza Jega at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, conveyed the President's condolences to Professor Jega and his family. The President described Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace, character, and a strong anchor for Professor Jega as he navigated public life, including serving as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Tinubu also extolled her support for education and community development. "Dear Professor Jega, it is with a heavy heart that I receive the news of the passing of your beloved wife of over 40 years. Hajiya was an exceptional woman. I mourn this painful loss with you and yo...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES N3.3 TRILLION PAYMENT PLAN TO RESTORE RELIABLE ELECTRICITY  President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment plan to finally settle the outstanding debts under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.  The debt repayment plan followed the final review of the legacy debts that have beset the power sector for more than a decade. The long-standing debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025. Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution. Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has already raised ₦501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway. What this means for Nigerians: With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will be more stable. With power ...

 Celestial church disowns pastor arrested with drugs in Lagos Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide has distanced itself from a cleric, Afolabi Hodonu, who was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside his wife over alleged possession of illicit drugs in Lagos State.  Hodonu and his wife were arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint with 11Kg of skunk hidden compartments in their vehicle. Hodonu claimed to be the Shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Badagry.  The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday said the arrest of the pastor and his wife followed an earlier interception of a fake security agent transporting 24.5Kg of skunk from Seme border. “The apprehension of a fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, 35, at the same checkpoint on Monday, 30th March, while conveying 24.5kg skunk from Seme border to Lagos,” he said. “The development wa...

 A 16-year-old boy identified as Alex Ansol, from Spain, was found wandering in Dadin Kowa village, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State. The spokesperson for the State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, April 4, 2026. According to the PPRO, Alex claimed he arrived in Nigeria with his four relatives from Spain on March 30, 2026 via Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja. However, he lost contact with his relatives along Jos to Saminaka road. Kiyawa urged anyone with useful information about the boy or his relative’s to contact his office.  “The Kano State Police Command has received a report of a 16-year-old boy, Alex Ansol, who was found wandering in Dadin Kowa Village, Doguwa LGA, Kano State,” the statement read. “According to claims made by the boy,  he arrived in Nigeria together with his four relatives from Spain on 30/03/2026 via Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja. “They were travelling to Kano to ...

 Bandits have abducted a mother and her six children in Kurmin-Uwa near Janjala community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.  The latest incident comes barely 24 hours after bandits abducted seven family members and three others in Unguwar Sabon-Titi, Kachia LGA of the state.  A resident of Kagarko town, Ibrahim Shehu, who confirmed the latest abduction to Daily Trust, said the incident happened around 10:23 pm, on Friday. He said when the bandits arrived the community, they went straight to their target house and whisked away seven people. He gave the names of the abducted victims, which comprised of mother and six children as Ladi Malachy, Patience Malachy, Promise Malachy, Inama Malachy, Peter Malachy and Aboyi Malachy. A community leader who preferred anonymity also confirmed the latest abduction. He said he alerted the security operatives after he received information of the invasion of bandits into the community, which, according to him, is 2-kilomete...

Ex-Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Excluded from Royals' Easter Gathering After Attending Last Year Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were notably absent from this year’s royal Easter gathering, just a year after joining the family for the same tradition. King Charles led senior members of the royal family to the Easter Mattins service on Sunday, April 5, at St George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle. The annual outing, a long-standing royal custom, saw family members arrive for the church service, but Andrew and Ferguson were nowhere to be seen. Their absence comes as both have largely remained out of the public eye in recent months, with renewed scrutiny surrounding past controversies. Andrew first stepped back from public duties in 2019 following his widely discussed BBC interview about his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite withdrawing from official royal work at the time, he had continued to appear at certain family events, including holiday church services and major cere...

 Trump threatens Iran, hails daring rescue of downed U.S. airman President Donald Trump issued a forceful warning to Iran on Easter Sunday, saying the country could face attacks on its power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.  Posting on Truth Social early in the morning, Trump wrote that Tuesday would be “Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” ending the message with the phrase, “Praise be to Allah.” The post comes days after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes destroyed the B1 bridge in Iran, one of the country’s tallest, linking the capital to the western city of Karaj.  The two-wave strike on Thursday reportedly killed eight people and injured at least 95, according to Iranian state media. The second attack occurred while rescue crews were still at the scene. Trump’s warning highlights escalating tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that has been blocked since the conflict began on February 28. The president emph...

 LASCOPA ADVOCATES SAFE PRODUCTS, CONSUMER RIGHTS AT WAMCO REGULATORY PARLEY As part of ongoing public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement efforts, the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) attended the FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Limited Regulatory Parley held recently at the Oludolapo Akinkugbe Academy. The parley brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Government and Lagos State regulatory ministries and agencies to foster collaboration and strengthen regulatory alignment. In his remarks, the General Manager emphasised the importance of ensuring Safe Products, Confident Consumers, in line with the theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2026. He noted that consumer confidence is built on the availability of safe, high-quality products that meet established standards and regulatory requirements. According to him, when consumers are assured of product safety, they are better empowered to make informed choices and actively participate...