Lebanese militant group Hezbollah threatened Tuesday to attack targets across Israel and said it would not be defeated by the ongoing intense bombardment of its strongholds and leadership.

The group’s deputy leader Naim Qassem said the only solution was a ceasefire.

“I am telling the Israeli home front: the solution is a ceasefire,” he said in a speech broadcast live.

In another day of fighting, the Iran-backed group said it launched a barrage of rockets towards the northern Israeli city of Haifa and targeted Israeli bulldozers and a tank near the border.

Israel responded with fresh air strikes around Lebanon, a day after an estimated 41 people were killed in attacks on the country, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

In a defiant speech, Qassem vowed that the group “will not be defeated” and would begin widening the scope of its targets inside Israel.

“Since the Israeli enemy targeted all of Lebanon, we have the right from a defensive position to target any place” in Israel, he said.

Only after a ceasefire would residents of northern Israel be able to return home, he said, referring to Israel’s stated war aim.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday told French President Emmanuel Macron he opposed any “unilateral ceasefire, which does not change the security situation in Lebanon”.

Iran, which supports Hezbollah, has in recent days engaged in diplomatic talks around establishing ceasefires in Lebanon and war-battered Gaza amid growing fears of a broader regional conflict.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati told AFP that his country was ready to bolster its military presence in the south after any ceasefire, adding that Israeli troops were making brief cross-border incursions.

Security has been tightened in the country’s only airport in Beirut “to remove any pretexts” for an Israeli attack, Mikati added.

Israel has also been intensifying its offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip, which the United Nations warned on Tuesday was suffering under its worst aid restrictions since the war there began over a year ago.

Despite a desperate need for more aid in Gaza, particularly in the north, UNICEF spokesman James Elder lamented that the situation was the worst since the start of Israel’s offensive.

“We see now what is probably the worst restrictions we’ve seen on humanitarian aid, ever,” he told a press conference in Geneva, adding that there were “several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in”.

For over a week, Israeli forces have been engaged in a sweeping air and ground assault targeting northern Gaza, including the area around Jabalia, amid claims that Hamas militants were regrouping there.

“The whole area has been reduced to ashes,” said Rana Abdel Majid, 38, from the Al-Faluja area of northern Gaza.

Majid said entire blocks had been levelled.

“The children are crying, terrified by the indiscriminate, merciless bombing. It’s like collective extermination,” she said.

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested one Haruna Ibrahim, 20, in connection with the murder of a 27-year-old man in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement said the victim, Auwalu Maigadali, was attacked and k!lled by hoodlums on October 2, 2024.

According to the PPRO, the effort is ongoing to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.

“On the 02/10/2024 at about 1612hrs a formal complaint was received by a unanimous caller from Kashere Akko LGA, Gombe that on the same date one Auwalu Maigadali ‘M’ aged of 27yrs of Kashere Akko LGA, Gombe was attacked and m8rdered by hoodlums at Tukulma Village of the same LGA,” the statement read.

“On receipt of the information the patrol team from Pindiga Division rushed to the scene and took the said victim to Tumu cottage hospital and also arrested the above mentioned suspect in connection to the crime and will soon be charged to court. Effort is ongoing to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.

“Finally, we are appealing to the good people of the Gombe State to continue to partner with the Command by taking keen interest on issues of their personal security and neighborhood safety by providing useful information on the activities of any suspicious individuals or groups.

“The command assured you that all information shall be treated with outmost confidentiality, for complaint kindly reach us on emergency GSM number 08150567771 or PCB number 09165472923

The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian team to Libya has shed light on the circumstances that led to the unexpected diversion of their flight to a remote airport, Al-Abraq, instead of their intended destination, Benghazi.

The diversion has been a subject of controversy since Sunday when the Nigerian delegation en route to Benghazi for the crucial Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya were left stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

In a video interview posted on X by Sports Journalist Pooja Media on Tuesday, the pilot emphasised that the decision was not made at his discretion but came from Libyan authorities.

“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had the approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority to do so,” the pilot said.

“However, when we began our descent, they instructed us to divert to Al-Abraq, which is almost 150 miles away, around 300 kilometres east. It wasn’t even (listed as) our alternate airport, something which is not good,” he added.

The pilot described the diversion as potentially risky, citing the fuel calculations made for the initial destination.

“In aviation, we have our flight plan, we calculate the fuel to our destination, so we have to avoid this kind of thing because it may make a breach to safety,” he stated, adding that he repeatedly questioned the directive.

“When I asked to land in Benghazi according to my flight plan and according to my authorisation, they said no, it’s from the highest authority, you have to land in Al-Abraq.”

Refuting claims from the media that the diversion was his decision, he said, “Everything is registered in aviation, we cannot hide anything, so I asked them several times, at least eight times, and I warned them, probably I will be in trouble for fuel; they said it’s from highest authority, you cannot land in Benghazi, you have to divert immediately to Al-Abraq,” he added.

The pilot noted that all relevant communications and authorisations are documented and could be provided as evidence if needed.

He said, “The truth was we were going to Benghazi, and I can show you the evidence of the approval, I have it. But at the last minute, they changed their mind and changed the airport.”

Describing the conditions at Al-Abraq, the pilot highlighted the challenges of landing at what he referred to as a poorly equipped domestic airport.

“There is no ILS (Instrument Landing System), no air navigation approach, no VHR (VHF Omnidirectional Range). We had to make a visual landing, which is particularly difficult by night with marginal weather,” he said, adding that the airport’s lack of facilities left them with “no second chances” if the landing had gone wrong.

The pilot’s familiarity with the region, having worked there for two years with a Tunisian company, was crucial in managing the difficult landing.

“It was not an easy matter at all. When a pilot hears this, he will understand that it was not an easy thing to land under such conditions. Thank God we made it safely,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of qualifier match against Libya.

Kenya has received mpox testing kits and medicines for neglected tropical diseases from the World Health Organisation, USAID, and other health partners.

The supplies will enhance the country’s efforts in combating these health challenges.

During the handover, Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa emphasized the significance of these contributions in addressing the health issues vulnerable communities face.

She highlighted the role of mass drug administration campaigns in controlling NTDs, such as lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and schistosomiasis, especially in regions with a high disease burden.

Ms Barasa expressed gratitude for the support from WHO and its partners, which ensures that essential medicines reach those most in need.

The upcoming MDA campaign will specifically target areas with the highest disease prevalence.

She also welcomed USAID’s donation of mpox testing kits, which will enhance the country’s capacity to detect and respond effectively to cases.

WHO representative to Kenya, Abdourahmane Diallo, confirmed the donation of 15,215,000 tablets of NTD medicines valued at 1.6 million for this month’s MDA.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s goal of eliminating NTDs, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, by 2030.

Six people on Monday filed fresh lawsuits against American music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, accusing him of multiple sexual assaults, rape and molesting a 16-year-old boy.

The lawsuits filed in federal court in Manhattan contribute to a growing list of legal challenges against the embattled hip-hop mogul, all of which he has denied.

The plaintiffs are anonymous, with two women referred to as Jane Does and four men as John Does.

Some of these individuals, echoing previous allegations made against Mr Combs in recent months, contend that he exploited his celebrity status and the allure of potential fame to lure victims to extravagant parties or drug-fuelled gatherings, where they were subsequently assaulted.

Claims include allegations of physical violence, drugging, and threats of death should the victims resist or disclose their experiences.

The lawsuits recount alleged assaults dating back to the mid-1990s, occurring at Mr Combs’ high-profile white parties in the Hamptons, a Brooklyn celebration for his late collaborator Biggie Smalls, and even in a storeroom at Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan.

The plaintiffs are among what their legal representatives described as a collective of over 100 accusers currently pursuing legal action against Mr Combs following his arrest on sex trafficking charges on September 16.

Attorney Tony Buzbee announced the forthcoming litigation at a press conference on October 1 and provided a hotline number for other potential accusers.

However, Mr Combs’ legal team condemned these tactics as “clear attempts to garner publicity.”

“In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone—adult or minor, man or woman,” the team said.

A former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja has lost one of his wives, Tinuade Ladoja.

It was gathered that the deceased died on Monday.

The deceased resided in Lagos State until her death.

She died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

Until her death, Tinuade was an influential member of the Pastor-in-Council of the Celestial Church of Christ, the highest decision-making body of the church.

The burial arrangements for the deceased have not been announced by the family.

Singer, Banky W and his wife, actress, Adesua are expecting their second child.

Adesua shared the good news on Instagram this afternoon as she posted her baby bump photos with the caption;

“First, we had each other, then we had your brother, then God sent you and now? NOW, we have everything.”

The couple already have a son, Hazaiah. Congrats to them!

Six persons have lost their lives while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Monday morning.

The incident which involved a trailer conveying tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks, occurred at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko on Akanran Road, in the Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.

The accident claimed six persons while injuring five others in two tricycles.

Among the injured was a pupil whose mother reportedly died in the crash.

Four of the injured who were conveyed to the Amuloko City Hospital nearby included two primary school children who were treated as out-patients while two with severe injuries have been admitted for proper treatment.

The deceased were conveyed to a hospital that was not yet ascertained.

A staff of the Oyo Road Transport Maintenance Agency, who did not want his name in print said, “The accident occurred in the early hours of today Monday). It was caused by brake failure of the trailer that was descending the slope of the road.”

An eyewitness said the accident occurred when a trailer lost control and crushed an unsuspecting tricycle.

The eyewitness stated, “When the trailer lost control, it crushed a tricycle popularly called Keke NAPEP. Another lorry conveying soft drinks was coming from behind it and tried to avoid hitting the trailer in front, and in the process hit and crushed another Keke NAPEP.

“We learnt that six persons died while five persons sustained injuries. They have all been conveyed away from here.”

The accident caused a serious gridlock with passengers alighting and trekking.

Aside from the vehicles and tricycles, two other cars were damaged in the multiple accidents.

Sympathisers who were prevented from burning the vehicles blamed the drivers (now at large) and claimed that the accident could have been minimized if the driver of the one that lost the brake had swerved into a ditch instead of facing the incoming tricycle.

The Managing Director of the Amuloko City Hospital, Raji Wale confirmed that some of the victims were rushed to his hospital.

Wale said, “Four patients were taken to his hospital. The accident occurred in the early hours of today ( Monday). Six victims were brought here with varying degrees of injury. Some were taken to other hospitals. We were able to absorb the ones brought here. Two have been treated as out-patient victims and they have been stabilized and they have left.

“Two kids have been treated and they are downstairs. One of them, I was told was in the Keke NAPEP with his mother. The mother died. The other two with severe injuries have been admitted and are being treated. They have been optimized and we are taking care of them presently. He explained.

When contacted, the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mary Alo, confirmed the accident but said she was yet to be appropriately briefed about the details of the incident.

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Gurgun Daji, has been eliminated in Kwanar Nasiru, located east of Mada town in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Gurgun Daji was reportedly k!lled by a rival faction on Sunday, October 13, 2024, and his body left at the scene.

Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who confirmed the incident on Monday said that Daji was widely known for his criminal activities, including orchestrating violent attacks along the Kwatarkwashi-Mada road and other surrounding areas.

His base of operations was the Shangel village, situated east of Mada town.

He was also notorious for purchasing kidnapped victims within Gusau, further entrenching his influence in the region’s criminal underworld.

In addition to his role in attacks, he was reported to have harbored other criminal figures, including Bello Taggoje, at his residence in Shangel village.

Gurgun Daji was believed to have a large group of followers involved in various acts of banditry and terror across the area.

“The d@ath of Kachalla Ibrahim Gurgun Daji marks a significant development in the fight against banditry in Zamfara State, as he was considered a key figure in the region’s network of armed criminals,” the counter insurgency expert added.

Chelsie Baham has emerged as the winner of Big Brother America Season 26.

She defeated two other top contestants Makensy “Mj” Manbeck and Cam Sullivan-Brown, to take home the huge $750,000 prize.

The finale of Big Brother season 26 ran for a total of two hours on Sunday, with Baham cruising to a unanimous victory.

Tucker won America’s Favorite Houseguest for Season 26 of ‘Big Brother’ and received $50,000 cash reward.

Leon Balogun has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take stringent action against Libyan authorities for their poor treatment of Super Eagles players and officials on their arrival in the country on Sunday.

The Super Eagles were due to land in Benghazi but the plane was diverted to another destination.

The contingent spent several hours at the Al Abaq Airport as there was no bus to convey them to Benghazi.

The Al Abaq Airport is more than two hours away from Benghazi.

Balogun, a former Super Eagles defender, expressed his anger with the poor treatment meted out on the team.
“Hey @CAF_Online – surely you’re going to investigate thoroughly and take action, right? Whoever is responsible for this needs to be held accountable. This is unacceptable,” he wrote.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play Libya on Tuesday, following their 1-0 victory in the first leg last Friday.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has confirmed an accident involving a fully loaded tanker that experienced brake failure, resulting in the loss of three lives.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at Second Rainbow, inward Mile 2 along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

A statement signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, revealed that the tanker collided with two Volkswagen Commercial buses and a Honda car (KTU 223 GH).

Adebayo said the victims, passengers in one of the Volkswagen buses, succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

He added that LASTMA officers swiftly responded to the emergency, securing the area and handing over two of the deceased to Festac Police Station security personnel, stressing that one of the victim’s family was present and took custody of their loved one.

He commiserated with the bereaved families, emphasising the importance of road safety.

“Emergency responders, including Lagos State Fire Services and Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), were also at the scene.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss. Tanker drivers must adhere to speed limits and prioritise safety, especially when carrying hazardous materials. Speed and safety must never be compromised on our roads,” he said

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has appointed Professor Toyin Ogundipe as the new Chairman and Pro Chancellor of the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.

Prof. Ogundipe before his appointment was the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

Professor Ogundipe, DAILY POST gathered, replaces Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Training and Education of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Adetunji Adeleye on Monday in Osogbo.

According to the statement, the other members of the reconstituted Governing Council are: “Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ahmed Parker Yerima, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olalere Gabriel Adeyemi, representing the University Senate, Professor Christian Happi, representing the University Senate, Professor Idowu Odebode, the University Congregation, Professor Emmanuel Ajav, representing the RCCG, Pastor (Mrs.) Tomi Somefun, representing the RCCG, Pastor Sola Olukoya, representing the RCCG, Dr. Olaniyi Salau (Legal Practitioner) representing the RCCG, Mr. Tobi Aniyi, representing the Redeemer’s University Alumni, Mrs. Funmilayo Olusola Kolade, representing the National Universities Commission, and Mrs. Mojisola Oje who is the Registrar and Secretary to the Council

Parts of the residence of the Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki has been gutted by fire in Gusau, the State capital.

The incident occurred over the weekend.

No casualty was recorded but properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Bello Madaro, the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu, expressed shock on behalf of the Assembly and its staff, calling the incident as a tragic calamity.

He described the inferno as an act destined by Allah, extending sympathy to the Speaker, his family, and his constituents in Zurmi West.

Many political figures and well-wishers have since visited the Speaker to offer their condolences.

The Speaker expressed gratitude to Allah that no live was lost and thanked all those who helped to contain the fire.

At least eight people have been confirmed dead, and thousands stranded without power after violent storms ravaged central and southeastern Brazil on Friday.

The storms come after the country experienced its worst-ever drought, intensifying the impact of the severe weather.

According to Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology, winds reached speeds of up to 100 km/h (60 mph), with some areas receiving as much as 10 cm (4 in) of rain in a single day.

The state of São Paulo, Brazil’s most populous region, has been hardest hit, with seven fatalities reported.

The deaths were primarily caused by falling trees and collapsing infrastructure due to the intense winds and heavy rainfall.

Many residents of São Paulo described the storm as sudden and overwhelming, with blackouts plunging large areas of the state into darkness.

Water supply issues have also been reported. Energy company Enel stated that more than 1.3 million homes and businesses remain without power.

The firm is working to restore electricity, with full reconnection expected by Monday.

In response to the prolonged outages, residents of the Parque São Roberto neighbourhood in São Paulo staged a protest on Saturday, banging pots and pans after enduring more than 24 hours without electricity.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Brasília, a soldier was killed and another injured during the storm at the military police headquarters.

The rain was so intense that water leaked through the roof of the Chamber of Deputies, forcing officials to use umbrellas indoors.

Despite the devastation, some residents of Brasília have welcomed the rainfall, as it brings relief after an unprecedented 165-day dry spell.

Brazil’s severe drought has been linked to climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has fueled wildfires across the country, ravaging the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands.

In July, the number of wildfires in the Amazon reached a 20-year high, choking major cities with smoke and threatening vital ecosystems

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerian leaders to judiciously use the country’s abundant resources to develop the nation.

Speaking at the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja’s 40th-anniversary celebration on Sunday in Abuja, Obasanjo emphasised that Nigeria had all it needs to thrive.

Obasanjo echoed the sentiments of Methodist Prelate Dr Oliver Aba’s message, emphasising the importance of appreciating God’s blessings.

“As God created other nations, endowing them with resources, he similarly blessed Nigeria with numerous resources for growth.

“Just as Egypt has the River Nile, Nigeria has the Rivers Niger and Benue, plus crude oil, fertile soil, and other natural resources.

“I firmly believe God didn’t create Nigeria to struggle. He has given us everything we need; it’s our duty to appreciate Him, especially since many countries lack what Nigeria has.

Obasanjo urged leaders, clergy, and citizens to pray for the country’s healing, acknowledging that Nigeria’s current situation isn’t God’s fault.

“We’ve squandered God’s gifts, but if we humble ourselves and seek Him, He will heal our land.”

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Mr Nyesom Wike, commended the Methodist Church of Nigeria for its commitment to social justice, education and humanitarian outreach.

In his goodwill message, Tinubu praised the Methodist Church of Nigeria for its pioneering role and impactful vision.

“I celebrate the 40th anniversary of Abuja Archdiocese, a testament to the church’s enduring spirit of faith, community, and service in Abuja and 183 years in Nigeria.

“The Methodist Church has significantly contributed to our nation’s development through social justice, education, and humanitarian efforts, transforming lives nationwide.”

Tinubu commended the church’s peace and unity promotion, urging continued dedication.

The family of former Sheffield United defender, George Baldock, has confirmed that he drowned while swimming in a pool at his home in Athens.

The family revealed the cause of his death in a statement on Friday.

The 31-year-old was found dead inside the pool on Wednesday night.

“We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.

“We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens,” the statement read in part.

Baldock had been scheduled to return to Sheffield this week to celebrate his son’s first birthday.

He began his career with MK Dons and played for seven years with Sheffield United, helping the Blades gain promotion to the Premier League twice.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed the United Kingdom for Paris, France, where he is expected to attend an “important engagement” after spending over a week in the UK.

The Senior Special Assistant on Political and other matters to the president, Ibrahim Kabir Masari disclosed this on Friday through his X account.

“Today, I had the honor of visiting President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at his private residence in the United Kingdom, where we engaged in productive discussions.

“We then departed for Paris, France, for another important engagement”, Masari said.

Meanwhile, details of the engagement were not made public.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria on Wednesday, October 2, for a two-week working vacation in the UK, as part of his annual leave.

The President’s vacation comes despite the pervasive economic hardship Nigerians are facing.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to N1,030 per litre, further worsening the hardship on Nigerians.

President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has addressed fresh criticisms trailing his principal’s trip to France.

Tinubu is currently on a two-week leave in the UK.

On Friday, it emerged that the president had left the UK for France.

This news led to mixed reactions on social media, with several people questioning Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria.

But in a post on X, Onanuga insisted that Tinubu is not restricted to the UK and can go anywhere he wants.

Onanuga wrote: “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK.

“It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires.

“He is still observing his leave.”

Former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, will earn up to €12m a year in his new role with Red Bull.

Klopp has been appointed as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer this week.

However, he will officially begin the new role in January 2025.

According to Sky Germany, Klopp has agreed a financial package which would see him net between €10 million and €12m (£8.3m/£10m) annually.

There is also a verbal agreement which allows Klopp to accept any concrete offer he receives.

The 57-year-old is believed to be holding out for an opportunity to manage the German national side.