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  Colombian Drug Gang Violence Claims 60 Lives in Catatumbo Region Violent clashes between rival guerrilla groups in Colombia’s Catatumbo region have claimed 60 lives, as reported by the nation’s human rights office. The conflict, involving the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has displaced thousands and destabilized the border area near Venezuela. The fragile truce between the groups has collapsed, with both vying for dominance in the lucrative cocaine trade. Among the victims are seven signatories of the 2016 FARC peace agreement and Carmelo Guerrero, a respected community leader and head of the Association for Peasant Unity in Catatumbo (Asuncat). Advocacy groups have condemned the renewed violence, highlighting its devastating impact on families and local communities. Food shortages are worsening the crisis, particularly for children, the elderly, and pregnant women, while at least 20 kidnappings—half involving ...

 Man Arrested Over Knife Attack on Bollywood Star Saif Ali Khan Mumbai police have apprehended a suspect in connection with the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence last week. The suspect, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested in Thane, near Mumbai. Authorities allege that Shehzad, believed to be a Bangladeshi national residing illegally in India, intended to rob the actor. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam stated that Shehzad had been working for a housekeeping agency in Mumbai under a fake identity for six months. A Mumbai court has since remanded him to five days of police custody. The attack, which left Khan with six stab wounds, including one near his neck, has sparked nationwide concern over security in Mumbai. Khan underwent surgery following the incident and is recovering. According to reports, Khan's wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their children were home during the attack but were unharmed. Eliyama Philip, a nurse em...

 Amnesty International Urges Investigation into Threats Against Sokoto Critic Hamdiya Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded a fair and transparent investigation into threats against Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, amid an ongoing trial in Sokoto State. Hamdiyya is facing charges of using insulting or abusive language and inciting disturbance, allegedly for criticizing Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Reports indicate she has been subjected to threats and harassment. Amnesty International’s Director, Isa Sanusi, revealed that these threats include intimidating phone calls, confrontations by suspected thugs, and surveillance by individuals claiming to be intelligence agents. “These acts are a blatant abuse of power, aimed at silencing voices advocating for their society and intimidating lawyers defending them,” Sanusi stated in a press release on Sunday. During a recent court session, Barrister Hikima requested armed police protection due to a tense and host...

 Fire Claims Eight Lives at Serbian Retirement Home A fire erupted early Monday at a retirement home on the outskirts of Belgrade, the Serbian capital, leaving eight dead and seven injured. Luka Causic, a senior police officer involved in the emergency response, reported that approximately 30 people were inside the facility when the fire began at 3:30 am (02:30 GMT). “Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives in the fire. However, I must commend the emergency response team for their swift action, successfully evacuating 13 residents,” said Labour Minister Nemanja Starovic, speaking to local media. Initial reports from rescue officials had indicated six fatalities. Starovic extended condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that an investigation was underway. “I trust the competent prosecutor’s office will release official findings soon,” he stated. The injured residents are receiving treatment at the Belgrade Military Hospital. Causic noted that firefighters managed t...

 KWASU VC Condemns Students’ Misconduct on Social Media, Vows Disciplinary Action The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, has expressed strong disapproval of the inappropriate behavior displayed by some students in viral social media videos. In the videos, students were seen wearing the university’s matriculation gowns in ways that the Vice-Chancellor described as unbecoming of individuals in a higher institution of learning. In a letter addressed to the university’s students on Monday, Professor Jimoh emphasized that the students involved had been identified and would face disciplinary action to serve as a deterrent to others. “The students in the videos will be made to face disciplinary measures to caution them and others against trivializing what should be treated with honor,” the Vice-Chancellor stated. He reiterated the institution's commitment to maintaining its standards of excellence and vowed to protect the university’s...

 Nigeria U19 Cricket team stuns New Zealand in historic ICC World Cup victory The Nigeria U19 Cricket Team, fondly known as the Junior Female Yellow Greens, has made headlines with a stunning two-run victory over cricket powerhouse New Zealand at the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. The match, delayed for two hours due to heavy rain, was a classic underdog-versus-giant encounter. Against all odds, the Nigerian team delivered a resilient performance, securing a historic win that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, lauded the team for their remarkable achievement, describing the victory as one of the biggest upsets in cricket history. “I am very excited for our U19 cricket team, and this particular win is worthy of celebration for so many reasons. The girls showed resilience, which is the true Nigerian spirit, and patriotism to upset cricket giant New Zealand,” Olopade remarked....

 Suspended RCCG Pastor, Iluyomade, Launches New Ministry in Lagos Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, who was suspended from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David Parish, has launched a new ministry named The Family Fellowship in Lagos. Iluyomade, seen celebrating with members during the inaugural service at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, in a viral video, invited the public to attend the fellowship. The service, held on Sunday, featured vibrant dancing and celebrations. Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of the City of David Parish, was suspended in 2024 following controversy over his wife Pastor Siju's lavish 60th birthday celebration, held shortly after the tragic death of church supporter Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank. Many viewed the timing of the celebration, shortly after Wigwe’s death in a helicopter crash, as insensitive. Following the incident, RCCG's Governing Council investigated and suspended the couple for three months, reassigning them t...