At least 26 thatched houses and 16 granaries were burnt in a communal clash in Taura LGA of Jigawa, the police have confirmed.

Police spokesman SP Lawan Shiisu said in a statement on Monday that the incident occurred during a conflict between residents of two communities in the LGA.

“On Sunday, at about 21:45 hours, residents of Gidan Na Ruwa Fulani Settlement, Taura LGA, saw a large group from Zangon Maje Village flashing torches and chanting war slogans.

“This prompted all villagers to flee for their lives,” he said.

Mr Shiisu said that, upon receiving the report, the divisional police officer of Taura and his patrol team swiftly rushed to the scene.

“When they arrived, the team discovered that youths from Zangon Maje had attacked and set fire to 24 thatched houses and 16 local granaries,” Mr Shiisu said.

He explained that a preliminary investigation showed the trouble began when Musa Hussaini, 20, and Shanu Sule, 26, both from Zangon Maje, were assaulted and their motorcycle was stolen.

As a result, the victims raised the alarm and mobilised members of their community to retaliate, leading to a violent confrontation.

Mr Shiisu, however, said normalcy had since been restored, and patrols were being intensified to prevent further disturbances.

According to him, the area commander in charge of Ringim led a police team to the affected areas on Monday, meeting stakeholders and engaging in dialogue.

Mr Shiisu added that five suspects had been arrested and were in custody, assisting with the investigation.

“The command urges citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report grievances to the proper authorities for a swift response,” Mr Shiisu said.

The police command in Lagos has detained two suspects for kidnapping an online vendor who came to deliver products in the Iyana-Ishashi area.

Its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.

He said the victim was kidnapped while attempting to make a delivery.

“The victim received a request for a product and proceeded to the customer’s house. Upon arrival, the door was opened, and she was forcibly dragged inside by a man and a woman.

“They stripped her, beat her up and took her nude pictures,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Hundeyin said the suspects demanded a ransom of N2 million, threatening to leak the images if she failed to comply.

He said the victim managed to pay N300,000 on the spot before she was allowed to go.

“They threatened to release the pictures if she did not pay the balance as promised,” Mr Hundeyin said.

He said the victim reported the case, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.

“The suspects were tracked and apprehended. They are currently in police custody as investigations continue,” the officer said.

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday in Manila by police acting on an International Criminal Court warrant tied to his deadly war on drugs.

The 79-year-old faces a charge of “the crime against humanity of murder”, according to the ICC, for a crackdown that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.

“Early in the morning, Interpol Manila received the official copy of the warrant of the arrest from the ICC,” the presidential palace said in a statement.

“As of now, he is under the custody of authorities.”

The statement added that “the former president and his group are in good health and are being checked by government doctors”.

Duterte’s former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, called the arrest “unlawful”.

“The (Philippine National Police) didn’t allow one of his lawyers to meet him at the airport and to question the legal basis for PRRD’s arrest,” he said, adding a hard copy of the ICC warrant had not been provided.

But a group that worked to support mothers of those killed in Duterte’s drugs crackdown called the arrest a “very welcome development”.

“The mothers whose husbands and children were killed because of the drug war are very happy because they have been waiting for this for a very long time,” Rubilyn Litao, coordinator for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, told AFP.

Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, called on the government of President Ferdinand Marcos to “swiftly surrender (Duterte) to the ICC”, saying the arrest was a “critical step for accountability in the Philippines”.

Duterte’s Tuesday morning detainment at Manila’s international airport followed a brief trip to Hong Kong.

Speaking to thousands of overseas Filipino workers there Sunday, the former president decried the investigation, labelling ICC investigators “sons of whores” while saying he would “accept it” if an arrest were to be his fate.

The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s instructions, but the tribunal maintained it had jurisdiction over killings before the pullout, as well as killings in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor, years before he became president.

It launched a formal inquiry in September 2021, only to suspend it two months later after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police, hitmen and vigilantes.

The case resumed in July 2023 after a five-judge panel rejected the Philippines’ objection that the court lacked jurisdiction.

Since then, the Marcos government has on numerous instances said it would not cooperate with the investigation.

But Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office Claire Castro on Sunday said that if Interpol would “ask the necessary assistance from the government, it is obliged to follow”.

Duterte is still hugely popular among many in the Philippines who supported his quick-fix solutions to crime, and he remains a potent political force.

He is running to reclaim his job as mayor of his stronghold Davao in May’s mid-term election.

Charges have been filed locally in a handful of cases related to drug operations that led to deaths — only nine police have been convicted for slaying alleged drug suspects.

A self-professed killer, Duterte instructed police to fatally shoot narcotics suspects if their lives were at risk and insisted the crackdown saved families and prevented the Philippines from turning into a “narco-politics state”.

At the opening of a Philippine Senate probe into the drug war in October, Duterte said he offered “no apologies, no excuses” for his actions.

“I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it or not, I did it for my country,” he said.

Ukraine will present the United States on Tuesday with a plan for a partial ceasefire with Russia, hoping to restore support from its key benefactor, which under President Donald Trump has demanded concessions to end the three-year war.

The talks in Saudi Arabia come as Russia has ramped up attacks against Ukraine and Kyiv has hit back, including with an overnight attack on Moscow involving dozens of drones, the city’s mayor said Tuesday.

The meeting will be the most senior since a disastrous White House visit last month when Trump berated Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for purported ingratitude.

Since Trump’s dressing down of Zelensky, Washington has suspended military aid to Ukraine as well as intelligence sharing and access to satellite imagery in a bid to force it to the negotiating table.

Zelensky, who wrote a repentant letter to Trump, flew to the port city of Jeddah to meet Saudi rulers, but was leaving the talks to three top aides.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will be joined by Trump’s national security advisor Mike Waltz, said the aid suspension was “something I hope we can resolve” in the talks on Tuesday.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a good meeting and good news to report,” Rubio said.

Rubio said that the United States had not cut off intelligence for defensive operations.

Zelensky left the White House without signing an agreement demanded by Trump that would give the United States access to much of Ukraine’s mineral wealth as compensation for past weapons supplies.

Zelensky has said he is still willing to sign, although Rubio said it would not be the focus of Tuesday’s talks.

Russia has since escalated its strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and retaken villages in its Kursk region that Ukraine had captured in a bid for bargaining leverage.

On the eve of the Saudi talks, Ukraine carried out what Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin described as a “massive” attack on the Russian capital, with 69 drones intercepted as of early Tuesday morning.

The attack killed at least one person and injured another three, according to Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region.

In the White House meeting, Zelensky refused to bite his tongue in the face of criticism from Vice President JD Vance, with the Ukrainian leader questioning why his country should trust promises from Russia which launched a full-scale invasion in 2022 despite previous diplomacy.

But faced with Washington’s pressure, Ukraine will lay out its support for a limited ceasefire.

“We do have a proposal for a ceasefire in the sky and ceasefire at sea,” a Ukrainian official told AFP on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Because these are the ceasefire options that are easy to install and to monitor, and it’s possible to start with them.”

Rubio signalled that the Trump administration would likely be pleased by such a proposal.

“I’m not saying that alone is enough, but it’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict,” he told reporters.

“You’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions.”

“The Russians can’t conquer all of Ukraine and obviously it will be very difficult for Ukraine in any reasonable time period to force the Russians all the way back to where they were back in 2014,” Rubio said, referring to the time of a partial offensive and Russian seizure of the Crimea peninsula.

In a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of the US-Ukraine talks, Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s conditions for any permanent peace deal, including the release of prisoners and the return of children Kyiv accuses Moscow of abducting, the Ukrainian leader’s office said in a statement Monday.

The two leaders “discussed the possible mediation of Saudi Arabia in the release of military and civilian prisoners and the return of deported children”, the statement said.

“The leaders exchanged views on the formats of security guarantees and what they should be for Ukraine so that war does not return again.”

Mark Carney was elected as the new prime minister of Canada after succeeding Justin Trudeau as the leader of the Liberty Party following an election on Sunday.

According to the New York Times, more than 150,000 people voted in the party’s leadership election on Sunday, with Mr Carney accumulating 85.9 per cent of the votes to beat his friend and former finance minister, Chrystia Freeland.

The 59-year-old technocrat had never been elected into office until now but has deep experience in financial markets and was responsible for steering Canada through the 2008 global financial crisis and the Bank of England through Brexit.

He is expected to be quickly sworn into office as early as this week, and one of the biggest issues in Mr Carney’s immediate inbox will be the country’s souring relations with the United States.

Mr Carney will now face off with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in a federal election no later than October 20.

In his first remarks following the poll, Mr Carney said his government would “create new trading relationships with reliable trading partners.”

He also vowed to keep retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. “until the Americans show us respect.”

“New threats demand new ideas and a new plan,” Mr Carney said. “In trade as in hockey, Canada will win.”

The prime minister-designate added, “There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy. Yeah, Donald Trump. Donald Trump. He’s attacking Canadian families, workers, and businesses, and we cannot let him succeed.

“The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country. Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form. Who’s ready to stand up for Canada with me?”

President Donald Trump had mooted the idea of annexing Canada to the U.S. as the 51st state.

“America is not Canada. And Canada never ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form,” Mr Carney said in his acceptance speech on Sunday evening.

North Korea on Monday fired multiple ballistic missiles into the sea, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, citing Seoul’s military.

The launch came as Seoul and Washington kicked off their annual combined military drills, known as the Freedom Shield, scheduled for 11 days.

The joint chiefs of staff in Seoul said it detected the missile launch from North Korea’s western Hwanghae Province at about 1:50 p.m. (0450 GMT) but provided no further details.

This is according to Yonhap’s report.

The JCS added that it has increased surveillance efforts and is working closely with the U.S.

North Korea condemned the allies’ joint exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion against it.

Monday’s test marked its first known ballistic missile launch since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.

North Korea was prohibited by UN resolutions from launching or even testing ballistic missiles of any range.

These were usually surface-to-surface missiles that could also be equipped with a nuclear warhead.

Pyongyang has significantly expanded its missile tests over the past two years while sharpening its rhetoric against the U.S. and South Korea.

It has also strengthened its military cooperation with Russia.

No fewer than four persons lost their lives while nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident that occurred along the Alapako area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday night.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed in a statement on Monday.

Odutola said the bad portion of the road had caused the tyre of a Toyota Hiace bus to puncture causing the vehicle to somersault, adding that the impact of the crash led to the death of four persons including the driver and some passengers while nine others were injured.

She stated, “The Ogun State Police Command regrets to report a fatal lone motor accident that occurred on March 9, 2025, at about 8:35 PM at Alapako area, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

“According to an eyewitness account, which did not reveal if the driver was on moderate speed or otherwise, but only accounted that the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus (Reg. No. FKJ 570 YE) travelling from Ibadan inward Lagos all of a sudden the left rear tyre got punctured by a bad portion of the road, while in motion, causing the driver to lose control, and the vehicle somersaulted, and landed off the road.

“As a result of the impact, four persons, including the driver, were observed lifeless on the spot, while nine other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. The bus was severely damaged due to the crash.”

Odutola added that the injured victims were taken to Victory Hospital in Ogere while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the FOS morgue in Ipara.

She warned motorists to always ensure proper vehicle maintenance and adhere to safety precautions while on the highway.

“Police presence was visible assisting in traffic control, easing human congestion and spectators, as well as conducting video capturing and documentation.

“The injured victims were immediately evacuated to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for medical treatment. Sadly, the remains of the deceased were deposited at FOS Mortuary, Ipara, for autopsy, while the vehicle wreck has been removed to the station for Vehicle Inspection Office assessment and further investigation.

“The Ogun State Police Command urges motorists to always ensure proper vehicle maintenance and adhere to traffic safety regulations to prevent road mishaps,” the PPRO stated.

PUNCH Online reported on Friday that barely 48 hours after 16 people were burnt to death in an accident along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, three people also died while 14 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a multi-vehicle collision along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Commandant General of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Seni Ogunyemi, disclosed in a traffic update that the accident, which involved six vehicles and 23 occupants, occurred when one of the vehicles fell on its side while turning and spilling its contents on the road.

Management of Geometric Power, otherwise known as Aba Power, says there was a fire outbreak on Monday at its company’s premises in Aba, Abia State.

The utility company disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

It stated that the fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, noting that the cause is not yet known.

“There was a fire outbreak early this morning in a temporary building on the premises of Geometric Power, Nigeria’s foremost integrated power company, located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, Abia State.

“The building was used by a defunct South African electricity firm known as Group 5 during the construction of facilities in the integrated power company and has been of little use for over 12 years. Though the cause of the fire has yet to be determined,” the statement disclosed.

The management noted that the fire was contained by the Geometric Power staff before the arrival of the Abia State Fire Service which responded promptly to the emergency call.

Geometric Power management commended its staff members for their vigilance and gallant efforts in containing the fire and the Abia State Fire Service for its swift response and professionalism.

The management also appreciated members of the public for their concern and support.

“Geometric Power assures the public of their commitment to work assiduously for constant, quality and affordable electricity in the Aba Power Ring-fenced Area and elsewhere for the rapid socioeconomic progress of the Nigerian nation,” the statement added.

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for applications into the Federal Civil Service to March 17, 2025.

The Federal Civil Service Commission initially announced the recruitment exercise on January 27, 2025, offering over 70 positions across various ministries, departments, and agencies.

However, many citizens lamented difficulties accessing the recruitment portal, prompting widespread calls for an extension.

FCSC spokesperson, Hassan Taiwo acknowledged that some applicants encountered technical issues but maintained that others could register successfully.

In an advertisement published in two national dailies and shared by Taiwo on Monday, the commission announced that the new deadline supersedes the previous one, which was initially set for March 10, 2025.

It read, “The Federal Civil Service Commission has extended the closing date for receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service to Monday, March 17, 2025, to allow more eligible candidates to participate in the exercise.”

This announcement supersedes the previous advertisement of Monday, January 27, 2025, in some national dailies, as well as the FCSC website (www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng), where the deadline was initially Monday, March 10, 2025.

“The updated information is now available on the FCSC website and in The Sun and The Nation newspapers of Monday, March 10, 2025, including Daily Trust of Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

“Qualified Nigerians are urged to take advantage of this extension and apply for the available vacancies.

“The Commission assures applicants of a merit-driven and transparent recruitment process,” it concluded.

Popular Nigerian actor and content creator, Adebowale Adedayo, widely known as Mr Macaroni, has responded to criticism over his refusal to greet Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a recent public appearance.

In a series of posts on Monday via X, Mr Macaroni dismissed the backlash, stating that he would not greet the governor even if given another opportunity.

“This is the last time I will address this matter. It is not worth my peace of mind. Since you people won’t stop attacking me because I didn’t greet Governor Sanwo-Olu, next time I see him, I still won’t greet him. And this time, even if he calls me, I won’t answer. You people will cry today, tomorrow, and forever,” he wrote.

The social media personality, known for his strong stance on governance and human rights, criticised Nigerians who defend politicians instead of holding them accountable for the economic hardships in the country.

“The people are suffering! The price of everything is up. Instead of you people to hold your leaders accountable, you are busy kissing their bumbum,” he stated.

He further accused some individuals of hypocrisy, alleging that certain critics of government officials eventually seek financial favours behind closed doors.

“Some people called out their state governors every day, then went behind closed doors to collect envelopes to become praise singers. It hurts them when they see that not everyone is for sale,” he wrote.

Addressing the culture of political loyalty, Mr Macaroni said, “These people have no honour, no code, no respect or dignity whatsoever. They have become slaves to the servants of the people. This is why Nigeria is the way Nigeria is. The people worship and defend their oppressors.”

He also rejected any expectations that he would change his stance due to persistent attacks on his character.

“I am no saint. I am nobody’s hero. I am far from perfect. I do what I do only because I strongly believe in it. Do I get tired of the constant attacks on my person? Yes! But please do not think for a second that I will betray my conscience,” he wrote.

The actor concluded his remarks by condemning tribal bigotry in Nigeria’s political landscape, warning against using ethnicity as a tool to divide the country.

“Shame on all those who have joined in creating this toxic culture of tribal bigotry. Kudos to every Nigerian, irrespective of their tribe, who see beyond this mischief and continue to do their best to promote peace and unity,” he said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has sanctioned its Ondo State Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, after a viral video exposed one of the corps’ patrol vehicles operating with a worn-out tyre.

The video, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public concerns about the safety standards of the FRSC’s vehicles, given its mandate to enforce road safety regulations.

In a statement released on Sunday, FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, strongly condemned the violation, stressing that it contravened the FRSC’s core values and operational procedures.

To reinforce accountability, the Sector Commander has been sanctioned, while the vehicle involved will be fined for the safety infraction.

Additionally, Ibitoye will personally bear the penalty for the oversight.

“The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, condemns in totality the use of a worn-out tyre on an FRSC patrol vehicle and has ordered the immediate sanction of the Ondo Sector Commander, under whose jurisdiction the violation occurred.

“He further stressed that the corps has zero tolerance for any deviation from safety standards and will not condone any compromise against its core values.

“In addition to the sanction, the Corps Marshal has also directed that the vehicle be booked for the infraction and that the Sector Commander must pay the fine for negligence,” the statement read.

The FRSC reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest vehicle maintenance standards, emphasising that it remained a leading agency in promoting road safety in Nigeria.

The statement concluded by assuring that management will intensify supervision of field operations to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations across all commands.

The Delta police command says it has detained an operative of an anti-cult volunteer corps in connection with the shooting to death of an auxiliary nurse, Isioma Nwayalani, in Okpanam Community, near Asaba.

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The 19-year-old victim was allegedly killed by a stray bullet from the gun-wielding operative, whose identity has yet to be disclosed.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the tragic incident to journalists on Sunday in Asaba.

Mr Edafe said that the suspect had been caught and is presently in police custody.

“Yes, the unfortunate incident is confirmed, and we are investigating to unravel the circumstances behind the shooting.

“When the police are through with their investigations, we will update you with the necessary information,” he said.

Witness accounts said that the deceased was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by the suspect, who was shooting sporadically along with his colleagues after they returned from a burial in Agbor.

The account further said that the deceased, who worked in a patent medicine store on the ground floor of the building housing the anti-cult office, was hit in the hand and part of her stomach.

“Usually, whenever they went out for a burial or any celebration and come back, they will start shooting to herald their return.

“So, that Saturday, at about 6.30 p.m., when they returned and began to shoot, the deceased and her colleague, who was outside, started running back to their store for safety.

“Unfortunately, she was hit on her hand and part of her stomach,” the account added.

It was further learnt that the suspect quickly carried the girl into their vehicle, and she was rushed to the Delta State Specialist Hospital near Midwifery, Okpanam, where she later gave up the ghost around 7.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, a member of the bereaved family, Christopher Nwayalani, has expressed deep grief over the tragic death of his niece and called for justice.

“Our family is in deep shock over the tragic incident.

“Normally, as a Sabbatharian, she always did not go to work on Saturdays.

“However, on that Saturday, she merely went to a salon near her workplace to make her hair, but since the hairdresser did not open, she decided to keep her colleague company.

“That was how she met her death. All the family wants is justice for her.

“Her life was cut short by the recklessness of an excited operative, so we will not want her killing to be swept under the carpet.

“We have made attempts to see the authorities at the anti-cult outfit, but nobody is willing to see us,” Mr Nwayalani said.

In a similar vein, a Delta-based rights activist, Victor Ojei, who is the lead activist of the Young Nigeria Rights Organisation, has also demanded justice for the deceased.

“The late nurse should get justice. There is nothing like accidental discharge, a gun has a safety pin.

“You only cock your gun when you are faced with a threat; else, you ensure it is on safety lock.

“It is a criminal offence. The actions of the anti-cult member resulting in the death of the nurse in Okpanam can indeed constitute criminal liability.

“The term, accidental discharge, does not absolve an individual from responsibility, especially when negligence or recklessness is involved,” Mr Ojei said.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to a different judge.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Kanu had previously requested that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from presiding over the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

While Justice Nyako stepped down and transferred the case file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment, the file was later returned to her—a move that Kanu strongly opposed.

On February 20, Kanu’s legal team wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking her intervention.

Ejimakor revealed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two official letters regarding Kanu’s case—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and another from the Chief Judge.

“Yesterday, before the legal team conducted our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. The letters are momentous and somewhat pyrrhic.

“One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to a recent letter we had written to her, seeking her prompt administrative intervention (as the administrative head of the Nigerian judiciary) on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the judge that was conducting it.

“The other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us that the case has been reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court,” the statement read.

Upon receiving the letters, Ejimakor noted that Kanu instructed his legal team to publicly express “sincere gratitude to the CJN for her sound administrative discretion and the promptness with which she responded to their request.”

“He also expressed his profound appreciation to members of the general public who publicly supported our righteous demands that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case be reassigned to another judge, as the law demands.

“To be clear, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to stand trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence. However, the perverse events of the past six months (from September 2024, when the recusal happened) posed significant dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy hearing. It was in light of this that we resorted to taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his case is properly reassigned and conducted by the law.

“Now that the authorities have taken the initial steps to uphold the law, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team will take stock and focus on zealous preparation for his defence,” Ejimakor stated.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, has honoured women globally for their resilience, hard work, and achievements.

The theme for 2025 IWD is “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

In her message commemorating the day, Mrs Tinubu encouraged women to cherish and support one another.

She said, “Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of all women and girls across Nigeria and the world. The theme for this year serves as a powerful reminder of the need to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and limitations. I believe it is time for women to make this happen. Let us all endeavour to lift each other up, one woman at a time.’’

Two teachers at Ibru College, Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area have been suspended for fighting in the school.

They were also ordered to clean the staff toilet for one month.

The school’s disciplinary committee in its report found both guilty of fighting within the school premises.

The report condemned the fight as a violation of professional ethics and imposed a series of penalties on the teachers involved, Mr. Agofure R. and Mr. Etuh G.

It will be recalled that the video of the two teachers fighting went viral on Monday, March 3, 2025, drawing strong criticism from the public.

As part of their immediate punishment, the teachers have been ordered to clean the staff toilets for one month.

In addition, both teachers have been recommended for transfer to other public schools, a move aimed at maintaining discipline at the secondary school.

Beyond the school’s sanctions, the duo has been directed to report to the Ughelli Zonal Office of the Delta State Post-Primary Education Board for further interrogation regarding the incident.

Russian strikes overnight had killed at least 12 people in eastern Ukraine as of Saturday morning, the country’s emergency service said, days ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian negotiators aimed at a truce.

A Russian assault hit the centre of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s Donetsk region late Friday, killing 11 people and wounding 30, according to the emergency service.

Separately, one person was killed in a drone attack and seven others wounded early Saturday in the city of Bogodukhiv, said Kharkiv region military head Oleg Synegubov.

The overnight air raids come after US President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia but said it may be “easier” to work with Moscow than Kyiv on efforts to end the three-year war.

After Trump publicly berated Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting and suspended US aid to Kyiv in a stated bid to encourage diplomacy, the US president told reporters Friday that he trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine and they don’t have the cards,” Trump said. “It may be easier dealing with Russia.”

The remarks followed Trump earlier Friday threatening new sanctions and tariffs on Russia over its bombardments of Ukraine — his warning coming just hours after Moscow launched a “massive” drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy facilities.

“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” he added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on the phone Friday.

On the call, Rubio underscored Trump’s goal of ending the three-year war quickly, and emphasized that “all sides must take steps to secure a sustainable peace”, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

A group of women organisations under the auspices of Coalition of Women in Governance has called for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) following her suspension for six months.

Spokesperson for the group, Zainab Mohammed, made the call at news conference on Friday in Abuja.

Ms Mohammed stated, “Fellow Nigerians, our renewed hope national anthem contains a promise of building a nation where peace and justice shall reign, yet we witness the silencing of a duly-elected member of the Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her suspension does not only reek of injustice against one woman, it constitutes an assault on democracy, a betrayal of our collective values, and a dangerous signal to every Nigerian who dares to challenge those in power. Natasha’s suspension is a clear violation of both parliamentary ethics and judicial authority. We, the Coalition for Women in Governance, stand united in the call for the immediate reinstatement and recall of Natasha to the Senate. The upper chamber should reverse her unjust suspension and restore her rights.’’

According to her, the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan defies the rule of law as the court has issued an order to halt any disciplinary action against her.

She said because the Senate proceeded to suspend her in blatant defiance to the court order, the upper legislative chamber had exhibited “disregard for democratic principles.’’

She stated, “It is legally excessive because the Senate rules permit a maximum of 14-day suspension, yet she was suspended for six months, an action that flies in the face of legal precedent. When a woman in leadership is targeted with impunity, it sends a chilling message to every young girl who dreams of serving her country, therefore, threatening women’s inclusion in politics.’’

She stated that the Senate must uphold the law and not undermine it.

“If the highest legislative body ignores court orders, what message does that send to ordinary Nigerians?”

The Edo State Task Force on Kidnapping has demolished another property belonging to Mr Karimu Audu.

Mr Audu is accused of being an informant for kidnappers in Eshioriri-Erah, Owan East.

This follows the demolition of two houses in Illeh, Esan West, and Uromi, Esan North East, linked to kidnappers operating in the state.

Mr Audu, a septuagenarian, is accused of providing information to kidnappers and offering them food and accommodation while they operated in the Owan and Esan forests.

Speaking at the scene, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Paul Akhere, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping conspiracies.

He said, “We are here because of conspiracy. He has been collaborating with kidnappers in the forest. Let this be a warning: if you see something, say something. If you conspire with criminals, your day will come, just as today is his day to face the law. ‘’

The Commander of the Edo State Task Force, Michael Anetor, affirmed the administration’s commitment to eliminating kidnapping and vowed to enforce the law without compromise.

He stated, “We are here to enforce the law. It is not my wish to see property destroyed, but peace must be restored. Kidnapping must end. Three properties have now been demolished, and this should serve as a lesson. Anyone aiding kidnappers should reconsider immediately.’’

Mr Audu, however, denied the allegations, claiming his interactions with herders were legitimate as the chairman of a community committee.

“They say I provide information to the herders, but I don’t. I’m the chairman of a six-man community committee, responsible for collecting annual payments,” he explained.

“I don’t give information to anyone; I simply carry out my committee work,” Mr Audu said.

The Peoples Democratic Party on Friday condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) by the Senate.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months following allegations of improper behaviour exhibited against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The party, in a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the action of the Senate leadership against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan smacked of desperation to cover up.

It urged the Senate to redeem its image and integrity by immediately reinstating Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter.

The PDP stated, “The hasty suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Akpabio, negated the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention. The action also portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones and offers protection to reprobacy.’’

The party added that the “excessively-harsh” six-month suspension placed on Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan translated to denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial zone their constitutional right of being represented in the legislative body.

“It is scandalous, and amounted to gross abuse of office and violation of the fundamentals of justice and fair hearing, for Akpabio to sit as a judge in a matter in which he was the accused,” the party said.

The PDP further said the situation validated public apprehension of desperation by Mr Akpabio to suppress open legislative probe into the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him.

It pointed out that the allegation by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan would not be the first time Mr Akpabio was accused of sexual harassment.

The party noted, “If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to clear his name. He should clear his name by stepping aside, in line with established parliamentary practice, allow and submit to an open and unbiased investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment by Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is indeed a national embarrassment that the person of the Senate President and chairman of the National Assembly is being mentioned in a case of sexual harassment, which has now tarred the image and integrity of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria. Ordinarily, under this situation, the Senate President needs no prodding to step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name.’’

A tragic tanker explosion in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of seven people, leaving one person injured.

The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Karamin Rami village, resulted in the deaths of two men and five women.

Confirming the incident, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, stated that emergency response efforts were underway to assess the full impact of the explosion.

“The incident was a result of a tanker truck trying to manoeuvre its way due to bad roads without shoulder and falling. Its content (PMS) flew to a nearby stream where dry-season farmers were working on their rice fields.

“The tanker content came in contact with the farmers’ water pump that was pumping water and caught fire which went back to the tanker, and the explosion occurred. The inferno came back to the farmland through the already contaminated stream water and burnt some of the farmers and the whole rice field, including fruit vegetation.

“Seven lives were lost with one person injured. The names of the deaths are Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi, Raliya Abdulrahaman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam A Nura. Maimuna Isah is the injured person. Meanwhile, the injured woman has been receiving treatment at Saho Rami Primary Health Care.”