August 2025 | Page 22 of 31

Ukraine War: Three Killed in Russia as Drones Intercepted Near Moscow

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Three people were killed in Russia overnight following Ukrainian attacks, regional authorities have confirmed. The strikes reportedly included drone incursions, with several unmanned aerial vehicles shot down while en route to Moscow. Russian officials said the deaths occurred in border regions already under heightened alert. The Defence Ministry claimed its air defences successfully intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones before they could reach the capital. In retaliation, Russian drones targeted several locations in Ukraine overnight, causing damage and disrupting power supply in affected areas. Ukrainian officials have not yet released casualty figures from those strikes. The latest escalation comes just days before former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday — a meeting that has already drawn international scrutiny given the ongoing conflict. Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks, with cross-border drone warfare becoming a regular feature of the nearly three-year-old war.

Israel Condemned Over Killing of Five Al Jazeera Journalists in Premeditated Attack on Press Freedom

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Israel is facing global condemnation following the killing of five Al Jazeera employees, an act the broadcaster has described as a “blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom.” According to Al Jazeera, the journalists were on assignment when Israeli forces targeted their location, despite their identities and press status being clearly marked. The network alleges the strike was intentional and aimed at silencing independent coverage of the ongoing conflict. International media rights organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have called for an urgent, independent investigation into the killings. Human rights groups have also warned that deliberate attacks on journalists may constitute war crimes under international law. Israel has yet to issue a detailed response to the accusations but has maintained that its operations target hostile threats and not journalists. The incident has further strained Israel’s relations with international media outlets, while Al Jazeera has vowed to pursue legal action through the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mo Salah Slams UEFA Over Tribute to Palestinian Pele Without Mentioning Cause of Death

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has criticised UEFA for omitting details about the death of former Palestinian football star Suleiman al Obeid, widely known as the “Palestinian Pele,” in its tribute post. The Palestine Football Association said al Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday by an Israeli airstrike targeting civilians while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip. In a short post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, UEFA described al Obeid as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times” — but made no mention of how he died. Salah, an Egyptian international and one of the most influential Arab athletes in the world, responded publicly: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” UEFA has told Sky Sports it will not comment on Salah’s remarks. Al Obeid, born in Gaza City, played for clubs across Gaza and the West Bank and was a key figure in Palestinian football for years. The Palestine FA’s tribute noted that he is survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters. The criticism comes amid rising concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution points and convoys in Gaza since late May, when the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a US and Israel-backed aid system — began operations. Salah has previously called for increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza during the ongoing conflict, which is approaching its two-year mark.

FG Issues Red Flood Alert to 15 Northern States, Warns of 5 Days of Heavy Rainfall

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa August 11, 2025 The Federal Government has placed 15 northern states on red flood alert, warning residents in high-risk areas to take immediate precautions to safeguard lives and property. In a circular issued in Abuja, the Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre said possible flooding is expected between August 10 and 14, 2025 due to forecasts of heavy rainfall. The statement, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, listed the affected states as: Adamawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Niger, Taraba, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Kwara. Kebbi State tops the list with the highest number of flagged flood-prone locations — 10 towns including Kamba, Kangiwa, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Gwandu, Jega, and Birnin Kebbi. Bokani urged residents to act swiftly by relocating from flood-prone zones where necessary. He also called on local authorities and state emergency management agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities. If you want, I can also make a short breaking-news version of this for social media updates with key points and hashtags to drive engagement.

Governor Oyebanji Dissolves Ekiti State Executive Council

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 11, 2025 The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, and released on Sunday evening, all affected Commissioners and Special Advisers have been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Governor Oyebanji thanked the outgoing members for their service and wished them success in their future endeavours. The dissolution, however, does not affect: In addition, all Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council will retain their positions, including:

EFCC, Obasanjo Library Clash Over Sting Operation in Abeokuta

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa August 11, 2025 A sting operation in the early hours of Sunday has triggered a public spat between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The EFCC said operatives from its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices. The agency’s statement did not initially specify the exact location of the raid. Hours later, the OOPL claimed the EFCC had carried out the operation on its premises, describing it as an “invasion” executed in a “Gestapo-like manner” and demanding a public apology. It also threatened legal action against the anti-graft agency. According to OOPL spokesperson Kehinde Adeyemi, more than 50 armed EFCC operatives stormed the facility at around 2:00 am during a private event in the amusement section of the complex. The raid reportedly caused panic among guests, with some sustaining injuries while trying to flee. Adeyemi alleged that the operatives neither informed the library’s management nor presented a search warrant, despite the police being aware of the event beforehand. “This action by the EFCC constitutes a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL’s rights, and violation of the rights of attendees,” the statement read. The OOPL said it would escalate the matter to the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS). EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests but declined to address the OOPL’s allegations, maintaining that the agency’s earlier statement remained its official position. He said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are completed. The OOPL, founded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, houses a library, museum, wildlife park, sports facilities, restaurants, event centres, and a four-star hotel.

Aviation Unions Suspend Planned Strike After Keyamo’s Intervention

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The planned nationwide strike by Nigeria’s aviation unions, slated to begin today, August 11, 2025, has been suspended following a last-minute intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The industrial action was being coordinated by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE). The unions had threatened to ground operations over the delay in implementing an improved salary structure for workers at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). In a joint statement, the unions said the strike was being deferred until the end of August after receiving assurances from relevant authorities. They noted that the Budget Office had issued a “no objection” letter to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, clearing the path for a revised pay package. NAMA management also pledged to commence payment alongside August salaries. Minister Keyamo confirmed the development on Sunday, describing it as a victory for dialogue over disruption. “We are happy to announce that, after our intervention, the planned strike by the Aviation Unions due to commence tomorrow has been shelved,” he said. Keyamo also promised continued engagement with labour unions to address pending issues in the sector. The unions warned, however, that if the new salary structure is not fully implemented by the end of August, they will revisit their strike plans.

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LASG To Roll Out Inspection Schedule For E-Hailing Operators

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

The Lagos State Government has mandated all e-hailing operators to ensure that their drivers present their vehicles for inspection, in a move aimed at improving safety, service quality, and regulatory compliance across the sector. The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this at a recent engagement with the operators at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja. He stated that the Ministry has observed the deplorable condition of some vehicles operated by drivers under licensed e-hailing platforms within the State, necessitating a comprehensive audit of all vehicles in use. According to him, any vehicle found unsuitable will not be allowed to operate on Lagos roads. He further decried the growing safety concerns for motorists and the poor service delivery by some operators, stressing that the State Government is committed to safeguarding lives and property, and will not tolerate practices that endanger Lagosians. In addition, the Commissioner raised concerns over the lack of robust databases among many e-hailing platforms, making it difficult to track discrepancies and criminal activities perpetrated through their services. He warned that the Ministry will not hesitate to enforce sanctions where necessary. Speaking on the same issue, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa emphasised that the use of vehicles not registered with the Lagos State Government will no longer be tolerated. He noted that such practices hinder effective tracking and pose significant security risks. According to him, the Ministry will strictly enforce penalties for any infractions. He explained that the digital system developed by the Ministry requires up-to-date data to enable effective regulation of the transportation sector. He added that all drivers must be duly registered and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), urging operators to comply or risk suspension of their licenses. The Permanent Secretary further urged Lagosians to stop booking e-hailing rides offline to avoid bypassing the safety features and accountability mechanisms built into the apps. In response, representatives of licensed e-hailing platforms shared updates on recent upgrades aimed at improving safety and accountability. These include enhanced driver verification systems, mandatory license checks, panic buttons, and improved onboarding/offboarding procedures. The Commissioner concluded the meeting with a call to action, urging all e-hailing operators to conduct their businesses with empathy, prioritising public safety and customer satisfaction over profit-making. He also reminded them to settle all outstanding licensing documentation and resolve all necessary regulatory requirements. Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives from Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Laurie, Vas Acquico, InDrive, Folti Tech, and EDryv.