Three black people were killed inside a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, on Saturday, in what officials said was a radically motivated shooting.

Sheriff T.K. Waters of Jacksonville confirmed that a white gunman, in his early 20s carried out the shooting and also killed himself thereafter.

Mr Waters said the gunman, wearing a tactical vest hated black people.

“This shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people,” Sheriff Waters said at a news conference.

In Jacksonville, the victims were two males and a female, Mr Waters added.

He explained that the gunman left his parents’ house in neighbouring Clay County at around 11:39 a.m. on Saturday and headed toward Jacksonville.

At 1:18 p.m., he texted his father to ask him to check his computer.

He stressed that the gunman had written “several manifestoes,” including one to his parents, in which he detailed his “disgusting ideology of hate.”

“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the gunman’s parents at 1:53 p.m. By that time the shooting had already begun in Jacksonville,” said Mr Waters.

Officials posited that the gunman was armed with an AR-15-style rifle that bore swastika markings, including a handgun.

Also, the suspect had been spotted on the campus of Edward Waters University, a historically Black college about half a mile from the Dollar General.

The school had ordered its students to shelter in place amid reports of the shooting even thought it was not yet clear if any intentions of the gunman might have been related to the school.

“But he (gunman) did go there and he did put his vest on and a mask on and then went directly to Dollar General.

“This is a dark day in Jacksonville’s history. Any loss of life is tragic, but the hate that motivated the shooter’s killing spree adds a layer of heartbreak,” Mr Waters posited.

Donna Deegan, mayor of Jacksonville, said the shooting came on the fifth anniversary of a shooting at a gaming tournament in the city.

Ms Deegan revealed that the shooting left three dead, including the gunman.

She added that the gunman on Saturday alluded to that 2018 shooting in his written statements.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how frustrating this is for all of us. We’ve seen it too much,” Ms Deegan said.

Jacksonville is a city of 971,000 population and 30 per cent of its residents are Black people.

The rampage on Saturday was the latest high-profile racially motivated attack carried out by a white gunman in the U.S.A shooting last year that targeted Black people left 10 dead at a supermarket in Buffalo.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has requested well-wishers to refrain from placing congratulatory billboards in his honour.

The Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

“The attention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been drawn to lamp post billboards, full scale billboards, and other adverts congratulating him on his appointment as minister.

“While the minister deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but strongly requests that such billboards and advertisements be discontinued forthwith.

“The minister acknowledges the overwhelming goodwill from the residents of the FCT and beyond and understands the sentiment behind these congratulatory displays and is genuinely touched by the show of support.

“However, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the minister wishes to focus his full attention on assisting President Bola Tinubu in realising his vision and renewed hope agenda for Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Ogunleye said that Mr Wike’s foremost duty lies in contributing to the development and growth of the FCT and the well-being of residents and the nation as a whole.

He added that the minister held in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of the FCT residents, and he remained dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication.

According to him, this can be achieved by concentrating all efforts on the task at hand and joining hands with public servants to serve the country to the best of their abilities.

“Wike sincerely hopes that the public will understand his perspective and continue to extend their support and cooperation.

The Police Command in Ogun said one Babatunde Kolawole, allegedly found with fresh male human corpse, was arrested and handed over to its personnel at Ado/Odo-Ota area of the state.

SP Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ota, Ogun, said the suspect was apprehended by the Amotekun corps.

She said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango-Ota, CSP Saleh Dahiru, received a report by Amotekun and took the suspect into custody.

“Preliminary investigations have commenced into the incident.

“Although the suspect did not deny the incident, he claims to be a native doctor who was attempting to revive the deceased.

“However, it remains unclear how the suspect obtained the fresh corpse during the late hours of the night,” she said.

The PPRO said that so far, no one had come forward to claim the body, and the suspect had not revealed any information about the origin of the corpse to enable police to gather more information and solve the case.

She added that the corpse had been transported to the Ifo General Hospital for an autopsy.

Ms Odutola enjoined members of the community to provide any useful information related to the incident to the police.

She also said that the community members could assist the police in their investigation by helping to shed more light on the disturbing occurrence.

The Nasarawa state government has said it will demolish structures built on waterways as part of measures to prevent flooding.

Yakubu Kwanta, the state commissioner for environment and natural resources, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on Saturday in Lafia after the August environmental sanitation exercise.

The commissioner who was represented by Abubakar Mohammed, chief environment officer, who is also the chief prosecutor of the ministry, said the ministry would be proactive to prevent any disaster.

He explained that the decision to demolish the structures followed NIMET’s recent prediction of possible flooding in 25 states including Nasarawa state.

He said the government had directed residents of flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds.

According to him, given the way floods had ravaged some parts of the State in the recent past, the ministry would not allow anybody to block the waterways.

“When you block the waterways and prevent water against free flow, you are inviting disaster, because anyhow it will find its way,” he said.

On the level of compliance with the monthly exercise, the commissioner expressed satisfaction and lauded traditional rulers, chairmen of area councils as well and security agencies for the success of the exercise.

He said that about 85 per cent of the residents complied by locking their shops and businesses to partake in the exercise.

The commissioner said the state was temporarily shut down during the exercise in line with the law, except for those on essential services.

“We only allowed those with permission from relevant authorities and those on essential services to pass, and move around during the exercise,” he added.

He, therefore, called on members of the public to always keep their environment clean to guard against outbreaks of diseases.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph, over the death of Justice Margaret Igbetar, a retired President, Benue Customary Court of Appeal.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 73-year-old Igbetar, who retired from service on October 17, 2015, was said to be living a private life and was hardly seen in public.

Anene said the judge was found in a pool of her blood in her kitchen on Friday, with deep cuts on her back.

“On August 24, information was received at ‘E’ Police Division Makurdi, that Justice Margaret Igbetar (retd), could not respond to calls and was nowhere to be found. Detectives were immediately deployed for investigation.

“A search conducted within her house at Wantor Kwange Street, Gboko Road, Makurdi, led to the discovery of her body in a pool of blood inside her kitchen. It was also observed that she had deep cuts on her back.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph and recovery of exhibits for detailed investigation,” the police spokesperson said in the statement.

The statement further quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, as strongly “condemned the dastardly act”.

Onyeka further assured that he would unravel the mystery behind the death and bring the perpetrators of the barbaric act to book.

NAN also reports that Igbetar was born on October 17, 1950, in Mbape, Shangev-ya, Tsar-Mbaduku, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

She started her career as the Assistant Registrar, Grade I Area Court, Katsina-Ala, Benue State in 1971, and rose to become a Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal in 1995, a position she held till 2003 when she was appointed President of the court.

Igbetar was a founding member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Benue State, a life member, the first Chairperson of the Benue branch and a National Trustee of the association.

The late Justice served as a member of, the Election Petition Tribunal, Bauchi State, between 1998 and 1999, the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal Imo/Abia State in 1999 and the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Kebbi State.

She was also a member of the Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution in 2000.

Two women identified as Felicia Nwosu and Chinenye Nwosu, from Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have been brought before the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for forcefully taking into custody, two underage children of a widow, Sharon Nwosu.

The culprits said to be mother-in-law and sister-in-law of the widow, reportedly took the widow’s children after her husband’s death while accusing her of killing her deceased husband.

A relative of the deceased who confirmed the development to journalists on Saturday said they were arrested after the widow complained to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare on Friday.

Narrating her ordeal, Sharon, who hails from Enubom Ndiowu, Orumba Local Government Area, said trouble started between her and her in-laws after she refused to hand over her late husband’s laptop and telephone to the junior brother, who demanded to take possession of the said properties.

She said,

“After forcefully taking custody of my two children and accusing me of killing my husband, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law asked me to hand over my late husband’s laptop and telephone to his junior brother who demanded to take possession of the said properties.

“I was shocked that such a request was made a few days after my late husband’s demise. They asked me to hand over the laptop so that the junior brother could take over the contract my late husband who was an architect, had just secured warning me not to tell anyone.

“I was still dealing with her husband’s demise only to find out that my mother had also died the same day I lost my husband.

“The worst of the situation was days before they took my children, they consistently told my kids that, I was responsible for their father’s death and they broke into my room after my husband’s funeral to cart away all the money sympathisers gave to me.”

Responding, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, expressed her displeasure over the development and assured the widow of recovering her children from her in-laws.

Obinabo, therefore called on everyone to always give widows breathing space to mourn their loved ones instead of creating more problems for them.

As part of its efforts to sanitise the use of drugs, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State Command has again seized 371 parcels of Cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp and 98 packs of diazepam.

The seizure which was made within the last 10 days by the command also includes 10 sacks of snuff, 1080 pieces of donkey skin, 37 bags of foreign rice, 16 bales of second-hand clothing, 300 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirits and Toyota Corolla car means as means of conveyance.

The commander, Kebbi State command of the Nigerian Customs Service, Dr. Ben Oramalugo while handing over the seized drugs to the state commandant of National drug law enforcement agency, Usman Suleiman, said he put the value of the drugs seized at ninety four million, eight hundred and fifty four thousand, four hundred and nine naira only.

According to him, “Recall that ten days ago, precisely on 14th August 2023, during our last press briefing, we made a vow that henceforth, there would be no breathing space for smugglers in Kebbi command, especially those who smuggle drugs and other items injurious to our health and the nation’s economy.

“To this end, we directed our officers to intensify surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of the state, having had a credible intelligence on their impending activities.

“The duty paid value of the seized items is one hundred and sixty four million, eight hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty nine naira”

Earlier in his remarks, the CAC commiserate with the families of his two of his personnel who lost their lives along Bunza – Koko – Dakingari road on Thursday.

“This sad incident, although regrettable will not deter us or dampen the morale of officers and men of the command.

“We shall continue to double our effort and synergy with all the relevant agencies in order to stem the menace of drugs smuggling in the state.

Two years after the attack on the Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State, 864 fleeing inmates have yet to be recaptured.

However, findings by our correspondent showed that the pictures of 864 fleeing inmates from the Owerri Custodial Centres are still on the ministry’s website.

The profile of the inmates could not be viewed properly to ascertain if any had been recaptured.

The NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, had yet to respond to inquiries from our correspondent on the latest updates on the fleeing inmates at the time of filing this report.

However, a security expert, Chidi Omeje, said as long as the inmates were still at large, more attacks would continue, especially in the North.Omeje stated

“It is a big issue and the implications are dire. It pretty much explains why we keep having recurring bandit and terrorist attacks in North Central, and North West because it is believed that those who escaped are high-profile terrorists.

“The fact that they have escaped and have yet to be recaptured means that they might have moved into the forests which might be responsible for killings in Kaduna, Sokoto, etc. It calls for concern.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps in Oyo State said 146 persons died in various road traffic crashes in the state between January and June.

The state Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Joshua Adekanye, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Ibadan.

Adekanye also said 618 persons sustained varying degrees of injury in 246 road crashes recorded within the period.

Giving a breakdown of the figure, he said 15 persons lost their lives in January; 15 in February; 23 in March; 24 in April; 45 in May and 24 in June.

He explained that investigation revealed that some of the crashes were due to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and mechanical fault, among others.

The sector commander cautioned drivers against reckless driving, noting that the command had stepped up enforcement and public enlightenment across motor parks, churches and mosques.

“We also seize every available opportunity to talk to the general public about the factors that can lead to road crashes and how to avoid same.

“We also make use of radio, print and social media to pass the message across to the general public. We also partner traditional leaders to talk to people in their domain on how to avoid factors that can lead to road traffic crashes,” he added.

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has confirmed Ibrahim Angbolo as commissioner and member of the state executive council.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House, announced this after Mr Angbolo appeared for screening at plenary on Friday in Lafia.

The speaker, while congratulating the nominee, urged him to key into the vision of Gov. Abdullahi Sule for development to thrive in the state.

“We hereby confirm the nomination of Ibrahim Uthman Angbolo as commissioner and member of the state executive council,” he said.

MR Abdullahi also urged the commissioner-nominee to add value to the present administration in the state and live above board while discharging his duties.

The speaker directed the clerk to communicate the House’s resolution to the governor for further action.

Mohammed Omadefu (APC- Keana) and the majority leader of the House, moved a motion for the confirmation of the commissioner-nominee and was seconded by the House minority leader, Luka Zhekaba (PDP-Obi 11).

The House unanimously screened and confirmed the commissioner-nominee.

The House also confirmed the nomination of Aliyu Gayam from Lafia Local Government Area and Samuel Tsebe from Akwanga LGA as permanent members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC).

Besides, the House confirmed the reappointment of Abdullahi Waziri from Doma LGA and Mustapha Aliyu from Awe LGA as permanent members of the local government service commission.

The speaker also announced their confirmations during the plenary.Mr Abdullahi congratulated the appointees and wished them well in their respective offices.

He then directed the clerk of the House to communicate the House resolution to the governor for further action.

Earlier, the majority leader of the House moved a motion for the confirmation of the permanent members of NASIEC and local government service commission, respectively, and was seconded by the minority leader.

The House unanimously screened and confirmed them accordingly.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested no fewer than 40 suspected illegal coal miners in Enugu, the commandant, Muhammed Dada, said.

Addressing reporters on Friday in Enugu, Mr Dada said that during the operation, items recovered included pumping machines, diggers, head-pans, shovels, and four Hanvan G7 trucks without registration numbers.

Others are a Toyota Hilux van with registration number MUS 513 HU, two heavy-duty batteries, a substantial amount of coal, and a motorcycle.

Mr Dada said the operation occurred Thursday, August 24, at the base of Ugwuonyeama hill in Enugu.

The commandant described the act as a serious economic sabotage, adding that the arrest underlined NSCDC’s role as the lead agency entrusted with safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.

“The NSCDC’s intelligence team, acting on a tip-off, conducted a successful raid leading to the arrest of the 40 suspects involved in illegal coal mining at Ugwuonyeama,” he said.

Mr Dada said NSCDC would thoroughly investigate the matter and “ensure that those responsible for these activities face the consequences of their actions”.

He also warned individuals engaging in illegal mining activities in the state to stop immediately.

The commandant reiterated NSCDC’s resolve to collaborate with law-abiding citizens, urging residents to support government efforts in curbing illegal activities by providing information that could aid in ending them.

“Those with valid clearance and legitimate mining operation licenses will be treated in accordance with the law.

Fire has gutted a residential building at Obiofia Nnewi Ichi in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra.

This is contained in a statement by the fire chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Martin Agbili, on Friday in Onitsha.

Mr Agbili said the service received a distress call of a fire outbreak in the residential building at about 7:02 p.m. on Thursday.

He said firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene to control the fire.

“The cause of the fire outbreak was as a result of an electric spark from a power surge.

“The building was seriously burnt by the fire but no life was lost during the firefighting.

“A lot were saved as all surrounding buildings were saved from the effect of the fire spread,” he said.

Nigeria’s superstar act Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy has released his seventh studio album titled ‘I Told Them.’

The 15-track album features top acts like rapper J Cole, 21 Savage and Nigeria’s Seyi Vibez. “#ITOLDTHEM. Out Now!,” Burna tweeted Friday morning.

Burna and J. Cole’s ‘Thanks,’ has since begun to trend as the singer addressed his involvement in the 2022 ‘Cubana’ shooting.

The Grammy winner, speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe Wednesday, disclosed the reason he chose to work with J.Cole on the new project.

“The truth is often hidden, but when you come across it and you are a person of truth yourself, you can’t help but recognize it.

“You know what I mean? That’s really the story of me and J Cole. It’s like, I recognize it.”

Denmark’s justice minister, Peter Hummelgaard, on Friday said that the government plans to ban Koran burnings after a string of desecrations of Islam’s holy book in the Scandinavian nation sparked anger in Muslim countries.

Hummelgaard, while speaking with reporters said that the government will present a bill that will “prohibit the inappropriate treatment of objects of significant religious importance to a religious community.

“The legislation was aimed especially at burnings and desecrations in public places, he added.

A salesman, Okusaga Isiaka, 37, was on Friday arraigned before an Ota Magistrates’ court for allegedly defrauding his employee of N27.8 million in Ogun State.

The Spanish Football Federation President, Luis Rubiales who is been forced out of his job following his offensive behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final has refused to resign, Daily Mail reports Friday.

Rubiales blames ‘false feminism’ for a ‘social murder’ against him.

Rubiales sparked outrage after kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on her lips as she collected her medal following the 1-0 win over England in Sydney.

The footage of the scene showed Rubiales grabbing his crotch while standing near Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter Princess Infanta Sofia.

Rubiales who is defiant amid mounting pressure to resign from his position said, “I am not going to resign,” as he shouted four times in a charged speech following an emergency meeting of federation officials.

Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 from 5.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The minster of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the federal government will no longer use propaganda in messaging its policies and programmes.

The minister called for the collaboration of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in restoring the Nigerians’ trust in the government.

Mr Idris made the call at the 2023 annual general meeting of NIPR on Thursday in Abuja.

The information minister urged NIPR members to use the conference to recommit themselves not only to their clients and organisations, but also to the nation.

“You are aware that the focus of government now is how to restore the confidence of the governed in governments and its institutions,” Mr Idris told NIPR.

“This time around the process of restoring popular confidence and trust in government and its policy shall not lie in the domains of propaganda. Through tangible and credible policies of government, government aim to directly impact on the lives of our people,” the minister explained.

“In other words, the era of relying on propaganda to propagate government programmes is now over,’’ he said.

Mr Idris also challenged NIPR to make the profession more relevant and more focused to achieve national expectations and concentrating on the key issues.

“As we come together, we are not only celebrating our sheer dedication to the field of public relations, but also embarking on a journey of reflections of inspiration and of collaboration.”

Mr Idris highlighted, pointing out that “in this age of information saturation where every click adds to the noise, the role of public relations has never been more vital.”

Mr Idris added, “We are the storytellers, the bridge builders and the custodians of reputation. Our work shapes perceptions, guides decisions, fosters relationship and extends far beyond the boardroom.”

Mr Idris stated that “beyond the corporate boardrooms and campaign strategies, let us also remember our broader societal role, our craft can be a force for positive change, amplifying voices that otherwise go unheard, driving awareness on social issues and catalysing meaningful dialogues.”

NIPR president Mukhtar Sirajo called on the federal government to put in place necessary measures to palliate adverse effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

Mr Sirajo said the removal of the subsidy might be done with good intention but citizens and corporate organisations are struggling to cope with its negative impacts.

“It is therefore our hope that all necessary measures to ameliorate the negative repercussions of the policy be put in place so that people can heave a sigh of relief,’’ said Mr Sirajo.

The House of Representatives has begun investigation into the alleged gruesome murder of vigilante members by soldiers in Eke, Udi LGA in Enugu.