Atiku, Peter Obi Mourn Buhari’s Demise

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar and Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi has mourned the passing of former Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari breathe his last on Sunday in London after losing battle to an undisclossed illness. According to Atiku, he said; “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation. “President Buhari was not just a former Head of State, he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will. “His death is not just a loss to his immediate family and the people of Daura, it is a profound national tragedy. Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come. “To his beloved family, I offer my deepest condolences. I pray for strength and comfort in this time of grief. To the people of Katsina State and the entire nation, I mourn with you. May we all take solace in the knowledge that he gave his life to the service of Nigeria and never wavered in his belief in her promise. “May Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.” -AA In a similar vein, Peter Obi took to his Twitter handle now X to express his sadness of the former president’s demise. “I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole. “President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader. “To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences. “May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. “Ameen,” the former Anambra State Governor prayed.

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Tennis: Jannik Sinner Wins Wimbledon Title

Jannik Sinner has ended Carlos Alcaraz’s 20-match winning streak at Wimbledon to become the first Italian player to claim a singles title at the Grand Slam. He has become the first Italian to win the men’s singles title after coming from a set down against the Spaniard. The world No.1 withstood a barrage of winners from the two-time champion to prevail 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, and end his run of five consecutive losses to the Spaniard. Sinner now has four Grand Slam titles to his name, with the only major trophy missing from his collection being Roland Garros—the tournament where he suffered a heartbreaking loss to Alcaraz earlier this season. The triumph ended Alcaraz’s career-best run of 24 straight wins on the Tour. He was bidding to follow in the footsteps of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by winning Wimbledon three times in a row.

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Iranian President Pezeshkian Slightly Injured in Israeli Air Strike Targeting Government Leaders

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sustained minor leg injuries during an Israeli airstrike that targeted a high-level government meeting in Tehran on June 15, a senior Iranian official has confirmed. The strike, aimed at the leadership of Iran’s three branches of government, occurred during a Supreme National Security Council session in a secure government facility in western Tehran. The meeting, attended by top executive, legislative, and judicial officials, was held underground when the attack began. “This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,” the senior official told Al Jazeera, speaking anonymously. According to the semiofficial Fars news agency, six missiles struck the entrances and exits of the facility, effectively cutting off escape routes and severing air flow. The explosions also caused a power outage, plunging the facility into darkness. Despite the conditions, President Pezeshkian and other officials escaped through a pre-designated emergency hatch. The president reportedly sustained minor leg injuries during the evacuation. The Iranian government has since launched a probe into the possibility of Israeli espionage, citing the precision of the strike and the apparent intelligence Israel had on the meeting’s location and timing. President Pezeshkian first disclosed the assassination attempt in an interview earlier this week, stating plainly that “Israel tried to kill me – not the United States.” The incident occurred amid a 12-day military confrontation between Iran and Israel in June, the most intense conflict between the two nations in recent years. Tensions remain high as Iranian officials vow retaliation.

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VP Shettima to Accompany Buhari’s Body Back Home

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari died today (Sunday) in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness. President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences. President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023. He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

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BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London

Former President Muhammdu Buhari is dead. His former aide, Bashir Ahmad, announced the passing of the former president on X. He wrote: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin.” President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after previously leading the country as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy. Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be released by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.

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Six Killed, Two Women Abducted as Bandits Attack Katsina Community

Suspected bandits launched a deadly late-night attack on Jargaba community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State on Thursday, killing six men and abducting two women. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed the village and headed straight to a popular meeting spot where local men usually gather. Without warning, they opened fire, killing six men on the spot, including an aide to the local Community Watch Corps (CWC) commandant. Two children were also reportedly injured by stray bullets during the chaos. Following the massacre, the attackers invaded a nearby residence and abducted two women, whose whereabouts remain unknown as of the time of reporting. The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the attack. Spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq said, “Yes, bandits attacked the community and shot people. Two died on the spot, while four others who were injured yesterday were confirmed dead today, making a total of six people killed.” However, he added that he could not confirm the abduction case yet, stating, “I will contact the DPO to verify that.” Reacting to the attack, Hon. Abdulrahman Ahmed, who represents Bakori in the Katsina State House of Assembly, condemned the violence, describing it as another grim reminder of the state’s worsening security challenges. “In Jargaba community, bandits attacked a group of six men who were seated and interacting. All six were killed. Two children were also injured, and two women were abducted from a residence,” Ahmed said, expressing sorrow over the tragedy. He extended condolences to the grieving families and called for divine intervention, while assuring that he had contacted security agencies to respond to the crisis and support the affected community. Katsina, like several other states in Nigeria’s northwest, has experienced a surge in deadly attacks and kidnappings by armed groups in recent years.

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ADC Slams Tinubu Over Prolonged Absence After BRICS Summit, Demands Accountability

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as another instance of “disdain for accountability,” following his delayed return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil. In a statement issued on Sunday, the ADC expressed concern that Tinubu only returned to Abuja on July 13—five days after the summit ended on July 7—without offering any public explanation, official statement, or briefing to Nigerians. “While other world leaders returned home, briefed their citizens, and resumed work, our President reappeared in the early hours of Sunday with no word,” the ADC noted. “A whole five days is significant in the life of a country, especially one grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and public discontent.” The opposition party insisted that Tinubu’s absence cannot be treated as inconsequential, especially since he was on official duty, not vacation. The ADC also pointed to a pattern of unexplained overseas absences by the President, citing at least four previous occasions in 2024 where Tinubu reportedly disappeared from public view during or after foreign trips without clarifying his whereabouts. “These serial vanishings have triggered wild speculation, fuelled unhealthy rumours, and undermined public trust,” the party said. The ADC warned that such unaccountable conduct tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation and signals a troubling disregard for transparency. “A president who disappears without explanation cannot be trusted to solve the nation’s crises,” the party concluded. “Nigerians must take note: A leader who is unaccountable to the people has no moral authority to demand sacrifice from them.” The presidency has yet to respond to the ADC’s statement.

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WTT Increases 2025 Contender Lagos Prize Money

The management of the WTT Series has announced a significant increase in the prize pool for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos tournament, raising the total purse from $75,000 (₦115 million) to $100,000 (₦153 million). This 33% boost is aimed at enhancing player rewards and promoting global competitiveness. In addition to the increased financial incentives, players will also gain enhanced world ranking points for their performances. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 22 to 26 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, located within the Teslim Balogun Stadium. This development aligns with WTT’s broader commitment to improving player welfare and ensuring that athletes are adequately compensated for their efforts. Winners of the singles events will receive $5,000 (₦7.6 million) and 400 ranking points. From the main draw onwards, all players in the singles category will be entitled to both financial rewards and ranking points. In the doubles and mixed doubles categories, winners will each receive $2,500 (₦3.8 million) and 400 ranking points. Participants who reach the round of 16 in these events will also earn prize money and ranking points. Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh emphasized the importance of prioritizing players: “We are fully aware of the sacrifices players make to participate in WTT events. This over-30% increase in prize money is a deliberate effort by WTT management to reward their dedication. At WTT, player welfare remains a top priority, and Lagos is committed to upholding that standard.” He added, “WTT Contender Lagos has become one of the most dynamic and widely publicized events in the WTT Series. Thanks to strong support from Lagos State and an enthusiastic fan base, it has earned a reputation as Nigeria’s best-organized and most well-attended international sporting event. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) is working tirelessly to raise the bar even higher and ensure this year’s edition rivals the best WTT tournaments globally.” The 2025 edition promises to deliver world-class table tennis action, with top-ranked players from around the globe competing in what has become a flagship event on the African sporting calendar.

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