August 2025 | Page 11 of 31

Five Killed After Tour Bus Returning to New York City from Niagara Falls Crashes

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Five people have died and dozens more were injured after a tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on a major highway in western New York. The bus, carrying 52 passengers, overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of Buffalo, at around 12:30 p.m. local time (5:30 p.m. UK time). According to New York State Police spokesperson Trooper James O’Callaghan, “multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments, and multiple injuries” were reported at the scene. Some children were among those on board. Several passengers were thrown from the bus as windows shattered, while others were trapped inside the wreckage. The Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) in Buffalo received 24 patients. At a press conference, Dr. Jennifer Pugh, Chief of Emergency Medicine at ECMC, said two patients were taken to surgery, including one with internal injuries. Dr. Jeffrey Brewer, Chief of Surgery, said the most seriously injured patients were expected to recover. Injuries included blunt trauma, head injuries, and multiple fractures. Other hospitals also received patients from the crash: Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, and translators were brought in to assist. The bus driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. “It’s a full-size tour bus with significant damage,” O’Callaghan said. “Most passengers were likely not wearing seat belts, which is why so many were ejected.” Mercy Flight deployed three helicopters to airlift critically injured individuals. “It’s a very active scene,” said Mercy Flight President Margaret Ferrentino. “At this time, we’re praying for the victims.” Police said the driver lost control of the bus at full speed and the vehicle flipped during an attempt to correct course. The crash forced the closure of the highway in both directions, causing significant delays during one of the final weekends of the summer holiday season. Niagara Falls, located on the US-Canada border, attracts more than nine million visitors annually.

We Will Hunt Down Malumfashi Mosque Attackers – FG

Federal Government Vow to Hunt Down Malumfashi Mosque Attackers

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Federal Government has vowed to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the brutal attack on worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. Describing the incident as a “callous and barbaric” act, the Government condemned the killing of innocent citizens who had gathered peacefully for worship, pledging that the perpetrators will not escape justice. “This heinous crime must not go unpunished,” the Government said in a statement. “Security forces are already tracking down those responsible, and no stone will be left unturned until they are arrested and held accountable. Justice will be swift and decisive.” The Government emphasized that such acts of terror would never be allowed to take root in Nigeria, warning that those who commit violence against innocent citizens would face the full force of the law. “This is not only an attack on the people of Malumfashi, but also on our collective humanity and national values,” the statement continued. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Malumfashi, and the Katsina State Government. “Their grief is our grief,” he said. “The Government stands with them in this dark hour. May the Almighty grant the departed eternal rest and comfort the bereaved with strength and peace.” The incident comes just weeks after Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) announced the arrest of high-profile terrorist leaders, including Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group and his deputy Abu Abba, as well as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group. These individuals were on international wanted lists and are now in custody. The arrests, the Government noted, are part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts under the direction of President Tinubu, who has declared that acts of terrorism against the Nigerian state and its citizens will soon be consigned to history. Reiterating its stance, the Federal Government said: “Those who shed innocent blood will find no hiding place in Nigeria.”

At Least 65 Killed in Gaza as Israel Escalates Attacks on Gaza City On Friday

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

At least 65 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Among them, 37 were killed in Gaza City, where Israel has intensified airstrikes ahead of a broader planned offensive. An Israeli airstrike targeted a school in Sheikh Radwan, a Gaza City neighborhood where many Palestinians sought shelter in makeshift tents. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 12 civilians died in the attack. Footage verified by Al Jazeera shows an Israeli quadcopter dropping an explosive on a building in Sheikh Radwan, followed by smoke rising from the site. Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza’s largest city would be destroyed unless Hamas agrees to Israel’s terms for ending the war. Katz wrote on X: “The gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza — until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war.” Israel’s ceasefire demands include the release of all captives and Hamas’s complete disarmament. Hamas has expressed willingness to release captives if the war ends but rejects disarmament without Palestinian statehood. Despite accepting a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatar and Egypt, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had instructed officials to “begin immediate negotiations” to release captives and end the war. However, Netanyahu also confirmed plans to authorize a major military operation to seize Gaza City, potentially starting within days.

DRC prosecutor seeks death penalty for former leader Joseph Kabila

DRC Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Former President Joseph Kabila

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

A military prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called for the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila, who is on trial in absentia for war crimes, treason, and plotting to overthrow the government. Speaking at a military court on Friday, General Lucien René Likulia, the DRC’s military auditor general, urged judges to condemn Kabila for crimes including homicide, torture, and inciting insurrection. The charges are tied to the former president’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has seized large portions of eastern DRC in recent months. Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, is accused of collaborating with Rwanda to support M23 fighters in their campaign to destabilise the mineral-rich eastern region. He has been living abroad, primarily in South Africa, since 2023, and denies all allegations. Accusations Tied to M23 Offensive The indictment, seen by AFP, links Kabila to a series of violent events, including the forcible capture of Goma by M23 in January. He is also accused of leading efforts to topple President Félix Tshisekedi and of founding the Congo River Alliance (AFC), described by authorities as the political wing of M23. The military prosecution alleges Kabila colluded with Rwandan officials to launch a “forceful overthrow of the government” and holds him responsible for atrocities committed by M23 in North and South Kivu provinces. Kabila’s appearance in rebel-held territory in May — where he met local religious leaders in the presence of M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka — was cited as further evidence of his connection to the group. Rwanda has denied involvement, though UN experts report that the Rwandan military has played a “critical” role in M23’s resurgence. Political Fallout Kabila has denounced the trial as politically motivated, calling it “an instrument of oppression.” His party, the Common Front for Congo (FCC), echoed his claims, labelling the prosecution an act of “relentlessness and persecution.” In April, Kabila announced plans to return to the DRC to “promote peace” in the embattled east. The government responded swiftly by banning his party and freezing his assets. The DRC Senate lifted his immunity in May, clearing the way for prosecution. Despite the DRC lifting its moratorium on capital punishment last year, no executions have been carried out in decades. Human rights organisations have raised concerns about the return of the death penalty amid heightened political tensions. Regional and International Implications Kabila’s trial comes at a volatile time for the DRC, with the government struggling to contain multiple armed groups operating in the east. The conflict has intensified since the re-emergence of M23 in 2021, displacing hundreds of thousands and drawing international concern. Although Kabila left office in 2019 and has since resided abroad, he remains a significant political figure. He has frequently criticised President Tshisekedi’s administration, accusing it of authoritarianism and mismanagement. As the trial continues, the DRC faces growing scrutiny over its use of the judiciary in politically sensitive cases, and whether this marks a legitimate effort at accountability — or a purge of opposition figures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Sources: 22 August 2025 | By Al Jazeera

Famine declared in Gaza City - and projected to expand to two other areas in the next month

Famine Declared in Gaza City, Set to Expand to Two More Regions Within Weeks

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago06 mins

A famine has been officially declared in Gaza City and surrounding areas, with the crisis projected to worsen in the coming weeks, expanding to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, according to a new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). More than half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing “catastrophic conditions,” characterised by starvation, destitution, and an increasing number of deaths. The IPC report marks the first formal famine declaration outside of Africa and the fifth since the organisation’s inception in 2004. Previous famines declared by the IPC include Somalia (2011), and Sudan (2017, 2020, and 2024). “After 22 months of relentless conflict, over 500,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic conditions,” the report said. An additional one million people are experiencing severe food insecurity. Projected Expansion of Famine The IPC warned that nearly a third of Gaza’s population — approximately 641,000 people — are expected to face catastrophic conditions within a month. Acute malnutrition is expected to worsen rapidly, with at least 132,000 children projected to suffer from severe malnutrition over the next year — more than double earlier estimates from May 2024. Due to limited access and data from northern Gaza, the IPC was unable to make a precise classification for that region, but noted conditions there may be even worse. What Constitutes a Famine? Under IPC guidelines, famine is declared when an area meets the following criteria: International Outcry and Accusations The famine declaration has triggered global condemnation and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called the crisis a “man-made disaster” and accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. “It is a war crime to use starvation as a method of warfare, and the resulting deaths may also amount to the war crime of wilful killing,” he stated. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the alarm, calling the situation “a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself.” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the findings as “utterly horrifying and wholly preventable,” urging Israel to allow unhindered delivery of aid and calling for a halt to military operations in Gaza City — which he described as the “epicentre of the famine.” UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher made a direct appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Enough. Ceasefire. Open the crossings — north and south. All of them.” Israel Rejects Famine Claims The Israeli government has categorically denied the famine designation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the IPC report as “an outright lie,” insisting that Israel has no policy of starvation. “Since the beginning of the war, Israel has enabled the entry of over two million tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza — more than one ton per person,” he said. Israel’s foreign ministry claimed food prices in Gaza had dropped due to a “massive influx of aid” and blamed Hamas for obstructing deliveries. COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing aid coordination, also rejected the IPC’s conclusions, stating that over 100,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the conflict began. Death Toll from Malnutrition Rising Despite Israeli denials, Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 251 deaths due to famine and malnutrition, including 108 children. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported nearly 13,000 new admissions for acute malnutrition in children in July alone. Israel has challenged these figures, accusing Hamas of inflating the numbers and attributing many of the deaths to pre-existing health conditions.

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea: Hapless Hammers implode as heat on Graham Potter intensifies

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea: Hapless Hammers Implode as Pressure Mounts on Graham Potter

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Chelsea cruised to a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, deepening the crisis for Hammers manager Graham Potter. West Ham, who suffered a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland last weekend, have now conceded eight goals in just two Premier League matches— the worst defensive start for the club in a top-flight season. Jamie Redknapp described their defending as “scandalous.” Match Highlights: Frustrated West Ham fans booed their team off the pitch and directed anger towards the club’s board. Chelsea’s victory came despite missing Cole Palmer, who was injured in the warm-up.

Brown Ideye Retires From Professional Football

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning Super Eagles’ striker, Brown Ideye has announced his retirement from professional football. The former West Bromwich Albion forward made the annoucement on his X handle on Wednesday. Ideye wrote; “After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football. I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. “I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day. This game made me and gave me everything -incredible joy, sad days, the opportunity to travel and see the world, lifelong friendships and so many unforgettable memories. “To all the Agents who worked tirelessly and negatiated with clubs for my dreams to come true -thank you. To all the sports journalists who spent long hours days and night covering and highlighting my career, I owe you a depth of gratitude. “To every club I’ve had the honour of wearing their jersey and representing, every coach and teamate who pushed and rooted for me to be better, and every fan who supported me through highs and lows -thank you. “Thank you, Nigeria, for the opportunity you gave me to wear the national colour and be among the Super Eagles. Though my time as a pro-player has come to an end, football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter. “Thank you all for being a part of this journey and I look forward to still seeing you on these football streets.” Some of the notable club Ideye starred are; Bayelsa United, Ocean Boys, Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, Olympiacos, Tianjin Teda, Malaga, Goztepe and Enyimba. Ideye won 28 national team caps and scored six goals.

Basketball: Port Harcourt to Host Phase I & II of 2025 NBPL

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been selected to host the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League’s Phase I and II, with games starting 28 August. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has named Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as one of four venues to stage the forthcoming 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL). In a letter dated 19th August, 2025, and addressed to all participating clubs, the NBBF announced Port Harcourt as the only city to host both Phase I and Phase II of the league’s new format, which will see action between all sixteen (16) participating teams broken down into four phases (Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four) across the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences. The Indoor Basketball Court, on 54 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, which is home to defending champions Rivers Hoopers BC, will also welcome Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons in Group B of the Atlantic Conference. Ibadan, Oyo State, will host Group A games in the Atlantic Conference, which will see Ebun Comets, Police Batons, Lagos Legends, as well as Hoops & Read, go head-to-head at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba. In the Savannah Conference, the Moshood Abiola National stadium, Abuja, will be the centre of action for Group A teams – Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko Chiefs, and Correctional Service – while Group B games between Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets will hold at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kano, Kano State. All teams are expected to arrive at their various centres between 26 and 27 August, with match action to hold from 28 August to 3 September, after which follows a period of rest before the commencement of the Inter-Group Phase (II). The Inter-Group Phase, scheduled for 24 September – 5 October, will once again see Port Harcourt play host, this time to all eight (8) teams in the Atlantic Conference, while all teams from the Savannah Conference will converge at the National Indoor Sports Hall, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. Venues for the Playoffs and Final 4 are yet to be named. The latest development means Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will host Premier League Basketball games for the third straight year, having also hosted the finals of the 2023 and 2024 NBPL seasons.