The Imo Police Command has confirmed that two persons died on Tuesday when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the International Market, Orlu.

The command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement in Owerri.

Mr Okoye disclosed that several other people sustained injuries from the explosion while scampering to safety.

He explained that the command had launched an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to him, a preliminary investigation revealed that two hoodlums died from an IED.

“The two persons, who were incidentally the hoodlums, were killed in the process of setting up the IED.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed anti-bomb operatives to the scene,” the police spokesman added.

Mr Okoye urged residents of the area and the traders in the market not to panic.

He also urged the people to assist the police and other security agencies with relevant information on any suspicious activities by suspected hoodlums.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been “fired for banging on about his book” during a guest appearance on Channel 4’s coverage of the U.S. election, according to the programme’s co-host Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

He was told off for holding up his memoir and plugging it just minutes into the live programme titled “America Decides: U.S. Presidential Election.”

Channel 4 newsreader Guru-Murthy told Mr Johnson to “put it away” and “stop it, enough” as he twice referenced his new book and attempted to hold it up to viewers.

Mr Guru-Murthy described the former prime minister’s actions as “so cheap.”

Mr Johnson retorted: “There’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop me… I’m allowed to plug my book.”

Later during the panel discussion, Mr Johnson said he met with former U.S. president and Republican nominee Donald Trump after his attempted assassination in July.

“In case I failed to mention this, I am promoting my book Unleashed, and I had a talk with him about Ukraine,” he said.

When asked about following in Mr Trump’s footsteps regarding a political comeback if he were to win the presidential election, Mr Johnson said: “The answer is obviously contained in Unleashed, where you’ll find the full discussion of this subject.”

Co-host Emily Maitlis told him: “We are not all going to read your book, so just tell us, do you want to have a political comeback…. You can’t actually answer a single question.”

Mr Johnson responded: “By the way, Emily, I’ve answered all your questions all night. Currently I am blissfully engaged in promoting my book Unleashed, available in all good bookstores.”

Later in the programme, Mr Johnson was replaced on the Channel 4 panel by Michael Cohen – who served as a lawyer to Mr Trump.

Mr Guru-Murphy told viewers: “Boris Johnson has been fired for banging on about his book.”

It was not clear whether Mr Johnson’s exit from the programme had been planned or if he had departed early.

Mr Johnson, 60, has been promoting his new memoir titled “Unleashed” after it was released last month.

The 784-plooks backooks back on Mr Johnson’s time as prime minister – from 2019 to 2022 – including Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

Channel 4 newsreader Mr Guru-Murthy is at the helm of the channel’s first overnight U.S. election programme since 1992 alongside former “Newsnight” presenter Maitlis.

Political pundits, and a number of famous faces including Mr Johnson, joined the hosts in the Washington DC studio as the American public decides whether Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Mr Trump becomes president.

Guests on the programme include Republican supporter and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner, and Stormy Daniels, the woman at the centre of Mr Trump’s hush money trial following an affair between the two.

A representative for Channel 4 has been contacted for comment.

North Carolina’s Attorney General Josh Stein secured a significant win on Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to become the state’s next governor.

According to the Associated Press, Mr Stein received 775,821 votes (51.7 per cent) of the total vote, while Mr Robinson garnered 653,335 votes (43.6 per cent), with 25 per cent of the votes counted at the time of reporting.

Mr Stein’s victory ensures that Democrats will continue to hold the state’s top executive office, even as Republicans maintain control over the legislature and appeals courts.

A key factor in Mr Stein’s victory was his team’s use of television ads and social media to remind voters of Mr Robinson’s controversial past statements on abortion, women, and LGBTQ+ issues.

The remarks, viewed by many as inflammatory, were repeatedly highlighted to portray Mr Robinson as too extreme for a state that often swings politically between parties.

Mr Robinson, who had hoped to make history as North Carolina’s first Black governor, centred his campaign on appealing to religious conservatives, gun rights advocates, and those frustrated with the political establishment.

His sharp criticisms of abortion, his views on women’s roles, and his anti-LGBTQ+ statements might have drawn national attention and become a focal point in the race.

As Mr Stein prepares to take office, his administration is expected to prioritise expanding healthcare access, increasing teachers’ pay, and safeguarding voting rights issues he championed throughout his campaign.

With national attention on swing states like North Carolina, Stein’s leadership could have implications for the broader political landscape in the coming years.

Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

Nigeria has recorded another nationwide power system collapse on Tuesday afternoon.

Data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org) revealed that as of 2 p.m., all the power distribution companies generated 0.00 megawatts of electricity.

The latest blackout makes it the tenth system collapse in 2024 and the first in November, after recording four grid failures in October.

The wife of the King of the United Kingdom, Queen Camilla, has withdrawn from her scheduled engagements this week due to a chest infection, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday.

According to a report from the BBC, the 77-year-old Queen is resting at home under the supervision of doctors.

A spokesperson for the Palace stated, “Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

“With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to recover in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.”

Sky News also confirmed the announcement, adding that the Queen “apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”

The Palace noted that no further details regarding her illness or treatment have been disclosed.

The BBC added that Camilla’s withdrawal from her duties includes her absence from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, where the Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, will represent her.

Additionally, the Queen will not be attending a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes that will be hosted by King Charles III on the same evening.

The Queen and King Charles III recently returned from a royal tour in Australia and Samoa.

King Charles faced his own health challenges earlier this year when he was treated for an undisclosed form of cancer and paused his public engagements in February, resuming them in April.

The Palace statement reiterated the hope that Queen Camilla will recover in time for the weekend’s Remembrance events, which are typically attended by senior members of the royal family.

Queen Camilla is the wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. She became Queen Consort following the accession of Charles to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. She was previously known as the Duchess of Cornwall after her marriage to Charles in 2005.

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has restricted its citizens from downloading and sharing multimedia files using mobile data on WhatsApp.

This decision was followed by the guidelines that the country’s government gave to telecommunications operators when it urged them to implement measures to restrict access to inappropriate content.

The country’s Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, was enmeshed in a sex scandal involving the wives of notable people.

The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

The over 400 videos reportedly include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Director General of Police’s wife, and about 20 of the country’s ministers’ wives, among others.

The footage, discovered in his office, was said to have been recorded with consent and has since been leaked online, causing a media uproar.

However, in a new development on Tuesday, a local news platform, Ahora EG, reported that the citizens have been lamenting their inability to share photos, videos, and audio when using a mobile data connection, leading users to rely exclusively on WiFi networks to share such content.

Speaking with a source, the platform quoted a source as saying, “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few? The likely decision to restrict access to essential communication functions seems disproportionate and punitive, affecting thousands of users of these platforms who, in addition to serving them for entertainment, also use them for their work and/or educational activities.

“In a world where digitalisation is becoming more and more important, should we shut down our platforms and paralyse our activities due to the actions of a few? Currently, users are forced to rely exclusively on WiFi connections, which not only limits their ability to communicate but also interferes with their daily activities.

“This situation has generated a heated debate among the population, where many believe that the measure seems to be more focused on controlling than facilitating communication,” the report added.

Ahora EG also quoted another querying, “Is it really fair that everyone should suffer the consequences of the actions of a few? The authorities have not yet provided any explanation for the reasons behind this restriction, as well as the duration of the same. At a time when information and communication are more vital than ever, the lack of transparency only aggravates citizens’ concerns.”

Earlier, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices.

This sweeping measure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure strict adherence to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.

A group of 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, including 30 minors, whose release was ordered by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, have arrived at the State House Auditorium in Abuja.

They were brought to the premises at around 2:00 pm and were received by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of Tinubu to be handed over to their respective state governors.

Their release was facilitated by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier dismissed the case against the protesters as requested by the Office of the Attorney-General.

In attendance are Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation Abubakar Bichi, as well as the Governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, and Kano, Abba Yusuf.

Ministers of Education, Tunji Alausa; Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda; and Environment, Balarabe Lawal, are also present at the venue.

Others include the Ministers of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Abdullahi Yakasai.

The Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, has announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices.

This sweeping measure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure strict adherence to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.

It was earlier reported that the country’s Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes of the wives of notable people in the country.

The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

The CCTV initiative, unveiled in an X post on Tuesday, according to him, underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” it read.

The new surveillance policy aims to deter acts that could undermine public trust and the ethical standards expected of public servants.

Authorities have made it clear that any violation caught on camera will be met with severe repercussions.

“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” it continued.

While the government emphasised that this step is crucial for promoting an environment of accountability, the policy has stirred varied responses from public sector employees and human rights advocates.

Some officials view it as a positive step towards reform, while others raise concerns about potential privacy implications.

The timeline for the complete rollout and the exact scope of surveillance have yet to be detailed.

However, the government has assured that the initiative aligns with existing legal frameworks aimed at strengthening governance and safeguarding public resources.

The VP noted that the installation of surveillance systems in state offices signals a resolute stand against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal step in fostering an atmosphere of transparency and trust within public service.

“The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour. We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the post translated from Spanish by Google Translate read.

Earlier, the VP on Monday announced that the government will immediately suspend any officials involved in sexual relations within ministry offices, as it violates the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.

This decisive action, he said, reinforces a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that undermines public service integrity.

“Today we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries.

“The government will take severe measures against these acts since they constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.

“This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of the public service.

“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behaviour to compromise public trust.

“Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state.”

A driver identified as Emeka was killed by suspected kidnappers who abducted five passengers on a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.

The suspected kidnappers reportedly attacked the vehicle, a Toyota with registration number LND 863 YF, and fatally shot Emeka, the driver, before abducting four passengers.

In a related operation, the Niger State Police Command announced the rescue of 19 passengers who had been kidnapped while travelling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.

The passengers, who were attacked by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, were in a Toyota Bus with registration number LG 08 DGS when they were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State and taken into a nearby forest.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incidents in a statement on Monday, noting that the victims in both cases were rescued unhurt.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

He explained that a joint security tactical team responded swiftly, combing the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.

“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.

In the case of the 19 passengers abducted from the Sokoto-Bayelsa journey, Abiodun said that intense pressure by the joint security forces led to the safe rescue of all passengers.

“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he added.

Further operations saw the rescue of the remaining seven victims later that evening, bringing the total number rescued to 19.

“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.

The world’s first wooden satellite has blasted off on a SpaceX rocket, its Japanese developers said Tuesday, part of a resupply mission to the International Space Station.

Scientists at Kyoto University expect the wooden material to burn up when the device re-enters the atmosphere — potentially providing a way to avoid generating metal particles when a retired satellite returns to Earth.

These particles may negatively impact both the environment and telecommunications, the developers say.

Each side of the box-like experimental satellite, named LignoSat, measures just 10 centimetres (four inches).

It was launched on an unmanned rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kyoto University’s Human Spaceology Center said.

The satellite, installed in a special container prepared by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, “flew into space safely,” it said in a post on X.

A spokeswoman for LignoSat’s co-developer Sumitomo Forestry told AFP the launch had been “successful”.

It “will arrive at the ISS soon, and will be released to outer space about a month later to test its strength and durability,” she said.

Data will be sent from the satellite to researchers who can check for signs of strain and determine if the satellite can withstand extreme changes in temperature.

“Satellites that are not made of metal should become mainstream,” Takao Doi, an astronaut and special professor at Kyoto University, said at a press conference earlier this year.

A two-storey building under construction on Monday collapsed in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, killing one person and leaving another severely injured.

The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. on Monday, is the second building collapse in the area within a week.

Eyewitness Jonathan Obey said the building gave way while construction workers were on the second floor, tragically claiming the life of a young man identified simply as Udeme from Akwa Ibom State.

Another worker narrowly escaped death but sustained serious injuries. Obey blamed the incident on the use of substandard materials, describing the foundation and supports as inadequate.

“When we came, we noticed that substandard materials were used in the construction. The building’s foundation was for a two-storey structure, yet low-quality rods and insufficient cement were used. The decking lacked a centre pillar and beam, which ultimately led to the collapse,” Obey explained.

In response, Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, visited the site, ordered it sealed, and declared the developer wanted.

Bipi condemned the developer’s negligence, stating that construction was carried out without government approval and with substandard materials.

“We’ve made it clear that if you build without approval, you will face the consequences.

“This site is sealed, and the developer has been declared wanted. He must answer for using substandard materials that led to the loss of life,” Bipi said.

Continuing, Bipi warned that the government would take strong action. “This is unacceptable. We must use him as an example,” he added.

In a statement by his media aide, Emeka Idika Kalu, Bipi expressed sympathy to the victim’s family, stating that the remains would be kept at a mortuary, which would be publicly disclosed for family access.

“This incident must serve as a warning to those building without government approval,” Bipi stated.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, also expressed dismay over the incident, condemning the developer’s prioritization of profit over safety.

“This is heartbreaking. Not only was the building of poor quality, but it also lacked proper approval. Someone has now paid the price with his life.

“The owner and engineer responsible must be held accountable as the government prioritizes the safety of lives,” Anya said.

The Northern Senators’ Forum, on Tuesday, applauded President Bola Tinubu for showing leadership in ordering the release of minors arrested and detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The chairman of the forum, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, indicated this in a statement released in Abuja.

He said the president’s decision was a demonstration of his commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian youth.

“His directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release process is a welcome development.

“We appreciate the president’s show of leadership in addressing this critical issue.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of leaders in the North who have worked assiduously to secure the release of these minors.

“Their dedication and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing the matter to the forefront, and we are grateful for their commitment to the welfare of our young people.

“As we move forward, I urge leaders in the North to prioritise the safety and education of our children.

“It is essential that we create an environment where they can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation.

“Let us work together to ensure that our youth receive the support and resources they need to become active contributors to Nigeria’s growth and development,” Mr Yar’Adua said in the statement.

Primary schools across Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, will close for a week following record-high pollution levels over the weekend.

Education officials in Punjab province announced the suspension of classes on Sunday for students up to fifth grade due to the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI).

Schools for older students will remain open.

The move came after Lahore’s AQI skyrocketed to over 1,000, well beyond the hazardous threshold of 301, according to the air quality monitoring company IQAir.

The concentration of PM2.5 particles, a particularly harmful pollutant, reached nearly 30 times the recommended safe limit set by the World Health Organization.

Ahmad Rafay Alam, an environmental lawyer and member of Pakistan’s Climate Change Council, described the situation as “apocalyptic,” highlighting the severity of the pollution crisis.

Lahore, home to 11 million people, was ranked the second-most polluted city globally over the weekend, behind only New Delhi.

Every year, pollution worsens in the colder months, as farmers burn crop stubble, contributing to the smog that blankets the region from October to February.

Residents face serious health risks, with experts estimating that poor air quality in Pakistan’s cities shortens life expectancy by an average of two years.

In recent years, Lahore has frequently seen schools and businesses closed due to hazardous pollution levels. This year, the smog season has lingered longer than usual, according to government officials.

Officials have advised residents to stay indoors, wear masks, and avoid outdoor activities, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, also suggested that smoke from crop burning in neighbouring India has contributed to Lahore’s pollution, as the city is just 15 miles from the border.

The Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been arrested for allegedly recording over 400 s*xtapes of the wives of notable people in the country.

The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his s*xcapades with different married women.

The videos reportedly include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Inspector General of Police’s wife, and about 20 of the country’s ministers’ wives.

The footage, discovered in his personal office, was said to have been recorded with consent and has since been leaked online, causing a media uproar.

In a report by a local media platform, Ahora EG, since last October, Engonga has been involved in a s*xual scandal unprecedented in the history of Equatorial Guinea.

The former ANIF DG better known as “Bello” had s*xual relations with several women, some of them married, and filmed these intimate encounters.

The report read, “The most striking thing is that some scenes took place in his work office, including moments in which he is seen sleeping with a woman next to the National Flag. Based on this sexual scandal, the Executive has stated that the measure is a direct response to the acts that have affected the image of the country.

“With these new measures, the Government hopes to establish a clear precedent on the expected conduct of public officials in order to create a more respectful work environment in the public and private administration of Equatorial Guinea. For days now, erotic videos have been circulating on social media featuring Baltasar EBANG ENGONGA, better known as “Bello”, who is currently the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) and is currently imprisoned for alleged corruption issues.

“Baltasar EBANG ENGONGA is said to have filmed these scenes with the consent of the women themselves, which exonerates him from a possible crime of violation of integrity. In the videos, he is seen having unprotected s*x with several women, including those married to powerful and well-known people in the country, but also with the most “diva and influential” single women in Equatorial Guinea. Some scenes take place in hotel rooms, houses, even in the protagonist’s office at the Ministry of Finance,” it added.

However, speaking on the viral sxtapes, the Attorney General of the country, Nzang Nguema, has stressed that, although the images suggest that the women involved were not forced to participate, the law does not consider consensual sxual relations to be a crime, unless coercion or violence is proven. This highlights the importance of victims reporting situations of s*xual abuse or assault.

Nguema also emphasised that the risk is not only for the women involved but also for their partners and the wider community, adding, “The possibility of a contagious disease being spread through these s*xual interactions makes the situation even more critical.

He further pointed out that the onus is on victims to come forward in cases of rape or assault, highlighting the need for an environment where people feel safe and supported to report such incidents.

Reacting to the development on Monday, Equatorial Guinea has decided to take action by immediately suspending all officials who have had s*xual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries.

The government claimed that the decision was part of its “zero tolerance” policy towards behaviour that compromises the integrity of the public service.

The Vice President of the Republic, Nguema Mangue, has pointed out that these behaviours constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.

In his publication on X, he emphasized that “ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration,” and that irresponsible attitudes that put citizen trust at risk will not be allowed.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday criticised what he called the United States’ “destabilising presence” after the deployment of B-52 bombers in the region.

“We have always believed that the presence of America in the region is a destabilising presence,” said Baghaei told a news conference in response to a question about the deployment, adding that it “will not deter (Iran’s) resolve to defend itself”.

The US military announced on Saturday the deployment of B-52 bombers to the Middle East as a warning to Iran which has vowed to respond to Israeli strikes on its military sites on October 26.

Israel’s attack was in retaliation for an October 1 Iranian missile barrage, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

At least four soldiers were killed in the strikes which also caused “limited damage” to a few radar systems, officials said at the time. Iranian media also reported that a civilian was killed.

Baghaei said Iran’s response would be “definite and decisive”.

He added that Iran supported “all initiatives and efforts” to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel is at war with the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah armed groups, respectively.

Israel said its October 26 attack targeted Iran’s defence capabilities and missile production, but Tehran said its missile production remained intact.

On Monday, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran had missiles so Israel “wouldn’t dare attack us”.

During the news conference, Baghaei said Iran’s official position against changing the nuclear doctrine and pursuing atomic weapons remained the same.

Citing a recent speech by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Baghaei said the Islamic republic would be “equipped with everything necessary to defend” itself.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved a financial bonus that is equivalent to the monthly PAYE obligation for every civil servant in the state, including local government workers.

The emergency support measure will last for at least three months, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru.

“This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap that the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly implemented mininum wage. It is meant to serve as a soothing balm as workers adjust to the PAYE that was just correctly implemented in line with the Personal Income Tax Act,” she said.

“The payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December 2024. This is a significant step by His Excellency to support workers.”

The statement added that workers who have not registered with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so immediately because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December.

The statement said labour unions have also agreed to a refund of the special levy deducted from workers’ salary and suspension of deductions of same until further notice.

“Governor AbdulRazaq’s directive to deliver this relief speaks volumes about his humanity and his commitment to the welfare of Kwara workforce,” Dr. Nuru stated.

The European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Monday revealed that it funded a solar min-grid project for residents of Etomi community in Cross River State.

According to a statement by the EU, the community had been without electricity for six years.

“After six years without electricity, residents of Etomi community in Cross River State now enjoy reliable, clean, and affordable electricity through the European Union-funded solar mini-grid project. The solar project, which provides 119.5kW of electricity to over 600 households and businesses in the community, was implemented by GIZ,” the statement noted.

Inga Stefanowicz, Head of the Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, explained that the grid is managed under a public-private partnership arrangement to ensure its sustainability and long-term maintenance. A private company is overseeing the operations of the grid, in partnership with the Cross River State Government.

Stefanowicz said the project is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and is aimed to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean, renewable, and affordable energy.

“The provision of reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for domestic and commercial use will boost the social and economic development of the people. I am also glad to say that we are taking electricity to a cocoa-producing community. This will help their farming activities and processes greatly.”

The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Eka Williams, explained that the solar mini-grid project is an off-grid system, and expressed the conviction that it would serve the Etomi community very well. “I want to say a very big thank you to my Governor, in partnership with the EU, who has made this possible. We have a replication of this in about four communities in Etung Local Government Area.”

A resident of the Etomi community, John Okpa, expressed excitement, as his community had been without electricity for over six years. He said, “Residents of the Etomi community are happy because the EU has provided us with electricity after six years of darkness. We are grateful to them, and pray that God continues to bless them.”

Another resident of the Etomi community, Precious Jeremiah, revealed that for seven years, she used a generator to run her hair-styling business. This, according to her, comes at a high cost of fueling, repairing, and servicing the generator. “Before the installation of the solar plant, I managed my business using a generator. The cost of fueling the generator is very expensive.

“Since the installation of the solar plant, my customers can come into my shop to get their hair done and enjoy a cool and clean atmosphere devoid of generator smoke and noise. Also, I can make enough profit to take care of my household, including paying for the school fees of my children,” she said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs refutes reports claiming that Nigerians in Libya are being arrested and harassed as a result of the decision of the Confederation of African Football, CAF which indicted the Libyan Football Federation for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eche Abu-Obe clarifies that Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan Authorities.

The statement says that this is contrary to a publication in the Punch newspaper on the 3rd of November, 2024.

Also, the statement reaffirms Government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens anywhere in the world which is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A mysterious Ibadan man whose name is yet unknown had confessed to killing over 70 women for ritual purposes in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The man popularly called ‘Mistina Orobo’ born in the Foko area of Ibadan who claimed to have now become a pastor said the number is not part of the people he had been hired to kill and had eaten in his life.

He revealed this on a popular socialist, Yinka Ayefele’s radio station, Fresh FM’s programme titled, “Opeyemi” in Ibadan on Saturday.

According to him, the blood of the women was needed to renew his mystical power, and their bodies were eaten after the needed blood had been taken.

“My idol takes about 73 to 76 women for over seven years. These women are always gotten from the club or other popular places. When I eat people, it is purposely to renew the voodoo in my body. Sometimes, when I’m shot, it won’t penetrate, even when I’m hacked, the machete breaks. The sweetest human parts are tongue, palm, and foot.”

“I also work for bank managers, politicians, and some other rich men. I’m very popular among them. When I first worked with a bank manager, it was one wealthy man that we killed and the info was supplied in the bank.

“The only person who was left to sign refused to sign, we visited him, made him sign, and killed him aftermath. I charge up to N50 to N80 million to get people killed and we always work as a team. I taught some people to work, some as highway or armed robbers and I usually get my fair share,” he added.

The man also narrated the roles he and his boys played during elections in Oyo State while soliciting that his identity be kept away from the public until it was time for him to reveal it.

Responding to questions on his early beginning, the mysterious man confessed to eating sacrifices since the age of nine as the son of an herbalist and how he became a hired assassin.

“As a child of an herbalist, I always eat sacrifices in seven different junctions, this was what fortified me before I grew up to become a dreaded hired assassin and sometimes, highway robber.”

However, sharing the story of how he turned a new leaf, the man said he met Jesus in his dream after he attempted to avenge people who earlier fought with him.

He noted, “I had been killed before but I woke up because of the idol I had at home. The day I went to retaliate those people who fought and killed me. When we got to the first person, I had a change of mind. When we got to the house of the other one, he was drunk, and my boy was about to unleash on him when I begged that he should be spared, since then, I have been sympathetic and have left the wayward life. Now, God has taken over my life.

“I am now in a seminary. I spent four years learning to be a prophet. I am not ready to establish a church, I just want people to know my terrible story. I had sold all three houses and cars I bought while engaging in these acts. I met Jesus in my dream.”

He also stressed that a former lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Temitope Olatoye (a.k.a. Sugar) died because he was in Ghana at that time if not it would have been averted, adding that he had always informed Sugar of the dangers looming.

Sugar died on March 9, 2019, in the Intensive Care Unit of the University College Hospital, after suffering bullet wounds in the head from shots of suspected political thugs in the Lalupon area of Ibadan.

The news of his attack spread within minutes, with some insinuating that he died on the spot.