PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, FOIL TERRORIST ATTACKS AND ARREST SUSPECTS IN SUSTAINED OPERATIONS ACROSS KADUNA AND ZAMFARA STATES Troops of Sector 1 and Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded another series of operational successes in separate intelligence-driven operations conducted across Kaduna and Zamfara States, further demonstrating their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action. On 18 June 2026, troops of Sector 1 OPFY  responded swiftly to a distress call reporting the movement of armed bandits within a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Acting with speed and precision, the troops combed the area and successfully rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu (38), Mrs Habibah Sadisu (30) and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who had been abandoned by the fleeing criminals upon sight...

 Trump administration plans to end PEPFAR funding for HIV programs in South Africa over policy disputes The Trump administration plans to terminate U.S. funding for HIV initiatives in South Africa under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief due to deepening policy disagreements. The U.S. State Department is initiating a phased wind-down of financial support allocated to South Africa, which currently assists in caring for roughly 8 million people living with HIV. Established in 2003 by former President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has partnered with health authorities in more than 50 countries over the last two decades. Official data indicates the program has saved an estimated 25 million lives and averted millions of new HIV infections globally. However, following his return to office, President Donald Trump targeted the initiative as part of broader administration efforts to reduce federal government spending, focusing heavily on South Africa, which houses the world's large...

 Two men jailed for arson attacks targeting properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer  Two men have received prison sentences following a series of coordinated arson attacks targeting assets and properties connected to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit arson and damaging properties by fire with reckless endangerment to human life. His co-defendant, 27-year-old Stanislav Carpiuc of Romania, received a two-year prison sentence. A third individual, 35-year-old Petro Pochynok, was acquitted of the charges. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the men were recruited via the encrypted messaging app Telegram by an anonymous, Russian-speaking operative using the moniker "El Money." The coordinator offered financial compensation to orchestrate the fires, record video footage of the acts, and attempt to secure televisio...

 Train driver killed and nine critically injured after passenger trains collided in England     A train driver has died, and nine people remain in critical condition following a major collision between two passenger trains in Bedford, England, a town located north of London. The incident occurred on Friday evening when a moving train struck a stationary train on the tracks. The collision resulted in injuries to approximately 80 passengers. By Saturday morning, 28 individuals remained hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries. The deceased driver was a former representative for the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT). Union leadership expressed deep devastation over the tragic loss, extending condolences to the driver's family, friends, colleagues, and members of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF). The crash involved two London St. Pancras-bound services, one originating from Corby and the other from No...

 Man arrested after five injured in suspected anti-Muslim stabbings across Edinburgh   Authorities in Edinburgh, Scotland, have arrested a 36-year-old white man following a series of suspected anti-Muslim stabbings that left five men injured and multiple properties damaged. The suspect allegedly roamed through the city's streets on Friday night, targeting individuals, vandalizing a vehicle, and damaging a local business. The violent spree initiated in the western part of Edinburgh near the Broomhouse mosque, where two worshippers were confronted and stabbed in a nearby park shortly after leaving the religious facility. The attack continued across the city, with emergency services receiving subsequent reports of violence near shopping areas in both the western and northern districts. Three additional men were assaulted in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas. Police Scotland officers eventually located and confronted the suspect. Although officers prepared to utilize a Ta...

 Man who confessed to robbing missing Navajo elder released from prison five years after her disappearance    Exactly five years after Navajo elder Ella Mae Begay vanished from her remote home in Sweetwater, Arizona, the man who admitted to assaulting her and stealing her vehicle has been released from federal prison. Preston Tolth, who pleaded guilty to robbing the 62-year-old grandmother, received a five-year prison sentence on May 8. However, due to time-served credits accrued while held on separate state charges that were eventually dismissed, along with credit for good behavior, he was released from custody on Monday. The early release deeply shocked Begay's relatives, who had anticipated Tolth remaining imprisoned until at least 2028. Her eldest son, Gerald Begay, learned of the release on the very anniversary of his mother's disappearance, calling the situation an insult to the family. Ella Mae Begay was a highly regarded traditional Navajo rug weaver. Her case bec...

 PUBLIC NOTICE: DISINFORMATION ON CDCFIB RECRUITMENT EXERCISE The attention of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has been drawn to false information on the ongoing recruitment exercise being circulated across various channels, particularly social media platforms. To set the record straight and prevent confusion among the general public, the Board wishes to state as follows: The public is advised to exercise caution and verify all information online. Misleading messages concerning the ongoing recruitment exercise are disruptive and capable of undermining the aspirations of genuine applicants. The Board is taking all necessary steps to identify and prosecute individuals or groups responsible for creating and disseminating false information. The spread of unauthorized and misleading information is a criminal offense. Offenders will be brought to book and sanctioned in accordance with extant laws. This serves as a final warning to all social ...

 Angel Reese becomes fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese hit a major milestone on Saturday, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 1,000 career rebounds. Reese reached the historic mark in only 79 games, eclipsing the previous record of 89 games set by former league standout Tina Charles. The record-breaking moment occurred with 4:29 left in the third quarter of Atlanta's 113-96 dominant win over the Indiana Fever. Reese contributed 18 points and eight rebounds to the victory, extending Atlanta's winning streak to three games. The 6-foot-4 forward currently leads the WNBA with an average of 11.9 rebounds per game. Following the matchup, Reese noted that securing offensive boards requires immense effort and constant crashing in the paint to generate second-chance points, emphasizing that rebounding is far more challenging than it appears. Reese also addressed ongoing criticism from skeptics who claim her ...

 Donald Trump settles 100 million dollar lawsuit against niece, Mary Trump, over leaked tax records  President Donald Trump has reached a settlement in his $100 million lawsuit against his niece, Mary Trump, whom he had accused of conspiring with journalists to leak his confidential tax records. A joint court filing confirmed that both parties have agreed to a resolution and expect the action to be formally dismissed with prejudice once specific preliminary conditions are met. The exact terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. The legal battle dates back to 2021, when Donald Trump filed the lawsuit following the end of his first presidential term. He alleged that Mary Trump, an outspoken critic of her uncle, participated in an illicit plot with three investigative reporters to secure financial documents for a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 expose. The lawsuit claimed she surreptitiously removed the tax records from her lawyer's office after acquiring them through a 2001 in...

 Gaza Health Ministry: Over 1,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October ceasefire  Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of 1,005 Palestinians since a ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Hamas last October. The enclave continues to experience near-daily airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire, particularly along the boundary separating Israeli- and Palestinian-controlled zones. The latest casualties followed consecutive drone strikes hitting central Gaza towns and refugee camps, as well as parts of Gaza City. A separate strike on Wednesday in the southern city of Khan Younis killed two Palestinians and wounded six others. While the Israeli military confirmed the strike and stated the intended target was an operative, witnesses reported that the attack hit a gathering near the beach in the Mawasi tent camp, a sprawling area sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals. Israel maintains that its forces are continu...

 Mother of two found dead with slashed neck inside Brooklyn apartment   A tranquil weekend morning in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn was upended by a heavy police presence following the discovery of a deceased woman inside her home. Investigators spent hours processing the scene at a multi-unit residential building on 85th Street, where a 36-year-old woman was found unresponsive. The victim was later identified as Maria Santos Flores, a mother of two children. Emergency medical personnel declared her dead at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. Authorities reported that she had sustained a severe laceration to her neck. The active death investigation stunned local residents, who described the neighborhood as typically quiet and peaceful. Neighbors expressed disbelief and growing concern for their own safety as they watched the tragedy unfold and witnessed grieving family members gathering outside the building. Family members confirmed that Santos Flores leaves behind two you...

 Department of Justice sues Philadelphia over law banning masked federal agents and unmarked vehicles  The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia and several high-ranking local officials, challenging a municipal ordinance that prevents law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings or utilizing unmarked vehicles to hide their identities. The federal government characterized the measure as unconstitutional, arguing that Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker, District Attorney Larry Krasner, and City Solicitor Renee Garcia are undermining constitutional order by attempting to restrict federal agencies from carrying out their duties. The lawsuit asserts that long-standing legal precedent firmly establishes that local and state governments hold no authority to regulate the operations of the federal government. Federal attorneys noted the irony of Philadelphia—the birthplace of federal sovereignty principles—enacting legislation that seeks ...

 Trump administration joins lawsuit to block Evanston housing reparations program for Black residents  The Trump administration has intervened in a federal lawsuit seeking to halt a pioneering housing reparations initiative designed for Black residents in a Chicago suburb. The Department of Justice joined the ongoing litigation against the city council of Evanston, Illinois. The municipality had previously allocated $10 million generated from cannabis sales tax revenue to fund its Restorative Housing Program. The initiative provides financial assistance to Black residents who are direct descendants of individuals affected by systemic housing discrimination within the city between 1919 and 1969. Qualifying participants can receive grants of up to $25,000 to cover down payments, property repairs, or outstanding interest and late fees on local real estate. The program also permits individuals who suffered from discriminatory municipal policies after 1969 to qualify, provided they...

 RE-ELECTED GOVERNOR OYEBANJI EXTENDS HANDS OF FELLOWSHIP TO OTHER CONTESTANTS Re-elected Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has promised to consolidate on previous achievements and intensify the implementation of people-oriented policies. The governor, who stated this after he was declared winner of the June 20 election in Ekiti State, also extended hands of fellowship to other contestants to join hands with him in moving Ekiti State forward. Governor Oyebanji, while expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, also commended INEC, security agencies and all stakeholders for the peaceful election.

 Meghan Markle Shares Father’s Day Tribute to Prince Harry With New Family Photo Meghan Markle marked Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21, with a post dedicated to Prince Harry, sharing a family photograph on Instagram. The image showed Harry, 41, smiling as he embraced their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. Meghan, 44, added a caption describing Harry’s role within the family, writing, “They’re so lucky to have you,” followed by, “Happy Father’s Day to our one and only.” The couple, who live in Montecito, California, stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and have since been raising their children in the United States. In recent years, Meghan has spoken about their approach to parenting and maintaining a sense of routine for their children despite their public profiles. The pair continue to balance family life with professional and charitable work. Prince Harry has also referenced his children in connection with his advocacy work, including initiatives focused on o...

 Nonye Soludo Celebrates Husband, Honours Fathers Worldwide On Father's Day By MaryAnn Chukwuma The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has celebrated fathers worldwide, describing their love, sacrifice and guidance as critical to building stronger homes and societies. In a Fathers' Day message posted on her official Facebook page today, June 21, Mrs. Soludo said fathers shape lives and strengthen the fabric of our homes and society through daily commitment and leadership. She paid special tribute to her husband, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, describing him as a devoted and exceptional father whose values, discipline and unwavering commitment inspire their family. “Today, I especially celebrate my dear husband, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, a devoted and exceptional father whose values, discipline, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire our family,” she wrote. Dr. Soludo noted that she and the couple’s six children are grateful for th...

 Nancy Isime Sparks Debate: "I Don't Believe Marrying a Poor Man Can Make You Happy" Nollywood superstar Nancy Isime has sparked fresh conversations online after sharing her candid perspective on the critical role of financial stability in relationships and marriage. Speaking on a recent episode of the popular Tea With Tay podcast, the actress and TV host made it clear that love alone cannot sustain a happy home when financial struggle is in the mix. The Difference Between Love and a 'Fantastic Life' While many romanticize the idea of building a life from nothing, Isime argues that severe financial pressure can easily drain the joy out of any union. During her chat with host Temisan Emmanuel, she emphasized that while love exists in various financial circumstances, it should not be confused with a comfortable, stress-free life. "Marriage is not a poverty alleviation scheme, but I don’t believe marrying a poor man can make you happy," Isime stated frankly...

CP ORUTUGU DESCRIBES DISCOVERY OF LIFELESS TWIN INFANTS IN OKPOKO AS MAN’S INHUMANITY TO MAN; COMMENDS OPERATIVES FOR SWIFT RESPONSE LEADING TO ARREST OF PARENTS The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has described the discovery of the lifeless bodies of twin infants in a drainage channel at Okpoko as a disturbing case of man’s inhumanity to man and a gross violation of the sanctity of human life. The CP made the remark while commending Police Operatives for their swift response and diligent investigative efforts that led to the arrest of the parents of the deceased infants shortly after the incident was reported. The Police Operatives attached to Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters, in the early hours of today 21st June 2026, received the information about the discovery of two lifeless infant twins abandoned in a drainage channel along Cooperative Street, Nwokedi, Okpoko. Following the report, operatives immediately swung into action, ...

 Two grandpas arrested for selling illicit drugs to teenage secondary school students - As NDLEA intercepts illicit consignment from China, Dubai-bound Loud concealed in ladies’ bags; nabs wanted couple in Ekiti, 75-year-old grandma, others in Oyo raid  An 84-year-old grandpa, Godfrey orji and 75-year-old Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora are now cooling their heels in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following their arrest for dealing in illicit substances, which they sell to teenage secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia state capital. Pa Obiora was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday 19n June 2026 following credible intelligence that he was selling illicit substances to young students and others in his patent medicine store located at 4 Club road, Umuahia, where 4.64 kilograms of opioids including tramadol and diazepam were recovered from him during a search of his premises. In his case, Pa orji who is a pensioner and also into the illicit drug ...

 Fathers Day: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Celebrates Fathers Love And Sense Of Sacrifices For Families Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu celebrates the love, strength and sacrifice of fathers across Nigeria and around the world. The First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in her message to mark the 2026 Father's Day celebration,  says she applauds fathers' vital role in shaping the character, confidence and future of their children, while helping to build strong families and stronger communities, through their guidance, protection and dedication. The day honours all fathers, father-figures, role models, and mentors who show up each day, working to provide for their families.                        The First Lady notes and  prays that all fathers continue to be a source of wisdom, strength and inspiration to the society.

 APC’S RABIU SHUAIBU WINS DAWAKIN KUDU/WARAWA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION IN KANO Rabiu Shuaibu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency by-election in Kano State. The Returning Officer, Professor Umar Sani of Bayero University, Kano, announced the result following the completion of collation after a peaceful exercise across polling units. According to the official results:  Rabiu Shuaibu (APC)  scored 35,356 votes While Lawal Garba Haruna of APM polled 268 votes and Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad of LP got  98 votes. Professor Umar Sani therefore declared Rabiu Shuaibu as duly elected, having satisfied the requirements of the law. The by-election was conducted to fill the vacant seat following the death of the former representative.  Voters and observers described the process as orderly and peaceful

Man falls to his death during concert at Madison Square Garden   A 51-year-old man died on Saturday night after falling from an elevated position during a concert at Madison Square Garden. Emergency personnel responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:51 p.m. regarding an injured attendee. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the man unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from severe injuries consistent with a significant fall. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have withheld the man's identity pending family notification. The incident took place while the rock band Goose was performing at the venue. Members of the band expressed deep sadness and heartbreak over the tragedy, offering their condolences following the event. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall is ongoing.

 Crimea suspends civilian gasoline sales as Ukrainian strikes disrupt fuel supplies Occupying officials in Russian-controlled Crimea suspended all civilian gasoline sales on Sunday following a wave of intensified Ukrainian strikes targeting fuel infrastructure across the Black Sea peninsula. The Kremlin-appointed governor of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, announced that overnight Ukrainian attacks left four people dead and 28 others injured, though he did not identify the specific targets hit. Shortly after, Aksyonov declared an indefinite freeze on fuel sales to private individuals and non-state businesses. He stated that gasoline supplies would be strictly reserved for government and security agencies tasked with maintaining regional operations, urging the public to remain calm. The targeted campaign has triggered the most severe energy crisis in Crimea since its annexation by Russia in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Crimean oil depot and a maritime tran...

 IGP DISU COMMEMORATES FATHER'S DAY, CELEBRATES FATHERS ACROSS NIGERIA The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, commemorates Father's Day and celebrates fathers across Nigeria for their invaluable contributions to family cohesion, social stability, and national development. The IGP recognizes the sacrifices, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by fathers in raising responsible citizens and strengthening the moral foundations upon which a peaceful and prosperous society is built. The IGP acknowledges the pivotal role fathers play in nurturing responsible children, promoting sound moral values, and instilling the principles of discipline, integrity, hard work, and patriotism that are essential for nation-building. He notes that the sacrifices made daily by fathers in providing guidance, protection, and support for their families continue to strengthen the social fabric of society and...

 WHY INVESTORS ARE COMING TO LAGOS, BY SANWO-OLU  Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu played the active salesman on Saturday, saying Lagos is ready for investments.  He described the state as a "sub-national economy that carries the weight of a nation" and the "salt and light" of Nigeria’s economy.  He spoke  at the maiden edition of the Geo-Economic Optimization Summit Lagos 2026 hosted by  Pastor Tunde Bakare’s Citadel School of Government, Oregun, Ikeja , with the theme "From South-West Nigeria to the Globe: Lagos State as a Geoeconomic Hub”.  The idea is that the development that is expected from the Southwest to the world should be led by Lagos. The governor agreed and marshal led facts and figures to show that Lagos is ready to lead the charge. He said Lagos contributes roughly one-third of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and ranks as Africa’s second-largest metropolitan economy with output exceeding $259.75 billion on a purchasing-power-par...

 Soludo Celebrates Fathers, Says Fatherhood Builds Society   By MaryAnn Chukwuma The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has paid tribute to fathers across the world, describing fatherhood as a noble responsibility that extends beyond providing for the family to nurturing values, character, and strong homes that contribute to societal development. In a Father’s Day message shared on his official Facebook page today, June 21, Governor Soludo noted that fatherhood entails commitment, guidance, and daily sacrifices that help shape future generations. According to him, “Fatherhood is more than providing, it is teaching values, showing up daily, and building homes where dreams can grow.” The Governor expressed gratitude to God for the gift of his late father and for the privilege of being a father himself, saying he remains thankful for the opportunity to impact lives through the family institution. He also commended fathers worldwide for their sacr...