At Least 10 Killed, Dozens Missing as Floods and Landslides Hit Indonesia’s Sumatra

Torrential monsoon rains have unleashed destructive floods and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 10 people and leaving dozens more missing, local authorities said on Wednesday. Days of relentless rainfall forced rivers in North Sumatra to overflow, sending mud, rocks, and uprooted trees crashing into villages across six regencies. Rescue teams are struggling to reach isolated communities due to damaged roads, unstable slopes, and ongoing downpours. Officials reported that five bodies and three injured survivors were recovered in the coastal city of Sibolga, the hardest-hit area. Search teams are still looking for four missing residents as damage assessments continue. In neighbouring Central Tapanuli, landslides crushed several homes, killing at least four members of one family and submerging nearly 2,000 houses and public buildings. Further south, floods and falling trees killed one resident in South Tapanuli and injured another. A bridge in Mandailing Natal district was destroyed, cutting off access for nearby communities, while 470 homes were inundated. On Nias island, mud and debris blocked the main road linking several villages. Videos circulating online show torrents of water sweeping over rooftops as families scramble to higher ground. In some areas, flash floods surged so rapidly that streets turned into violent currents carrying tree trunks, household items, and rubble. Sibolga police chief Eddy Inganta said emergency shelters have been set up across the city, urging residents near unstable slopes to evacuate immediately. He warned that persistent rainfall could trigger further landslides. The disaster comes just as Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency ended a 10-day search in Central Java, where earlier storms killed 38 people. Authorities called off operations due to unstable ground and worsening weather, leaving 13 people still missing in Cilacap and Banjarnegara. Indonesia faces frequent floods and landslides during the rainy season from October to March, with millions living in flood-prone lowlands or on steep, unstable hillsides.

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Mr Ibu’s Wife, Stellamaris Okakor Praises Ruger In Viral Social Media Video

A video of Stellamaris Okakor, widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor (Mr Ibu), and singer Ruger has gone viral on social media. The clip shows a shirtless Ruger wearing glasses alongside a clearly delighted Stellamaris, prompting a wave of reactions online. Sharing the video on her social media, Stellamaris praised the singer, writing: “A good person with a very large heart. God bless you always, a humble soul and cute too,” highlighting his kindness and warm nature. The rare interaction between the late actor’s widow and Ruger has sparked admiration and widespread discussion among fans and social media users.   View this post on Instagram  

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Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Neutralise Bandit During Ambush in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a kidnapping attempt by armed bandits in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, rescuing one victim and neutralising a suspected bandit in the process. According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, the operation was launched in the early hours of Tuesday around the Oshokoshoko–Obajana axis of Lokoja LGA following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits with abducted persons. “As part of ongoing intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully foiled an ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated operation,” the statement said. Troops deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, working alongside Other Hybrid Forces, mounted a special ambush after receiving reports of bandits crossing the corridor with captives. The soldiers made contact with the armed group, who opened fire, but were overpowered by superior firepower. “One bandit was neutralised while others fled with gunshot wounds,” the statement added. Soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle at the scene and rescued one victim, who was reportedly weak and distressed. The individual has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment. Pursuit operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects. The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring the safety of communities across Kogi State. Residents were urged to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

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Natasha Osawaru Praises 2Baba Saying “I Would Love You Forever” Days After Giving Birth

Natasha Osawaru, wife of singer 2Baba, took to social media to shower her husband with heartfelt praise. Sharing a picture of the couple kissing, she wrote: “I would love you forever! I put our union in God’s hands.” The post came just a few days after giving birth, making her words of love and admiration even more touching. Fans have lauded the message, celebrating the display of commitment and affection between the couple.

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Russia-Ukraine War Live: US Envoy Steve Witkoff Heads to Moscow as Trump Pushes for Rapid Peace Deal

At least 19 civilians have been wounded following a series of overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, authorities said, as heavy fighting continues along the front lines. The attacks came amid intensifying diplomatic activity, with the United States confirming that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of Washington’s push to secure a ceasefire agreement. Ukraine signals openness to US plan The Ukrainian government said it supports the “essence” of a new US-backed proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that “progress” is being made, even as negotiations drag on in Geneva and other European capitals. Witkoff’s visit is the most direct engagement yet between Washington and Moscow under the Trump administration’s peace initiative. Russia accuses Europe of undermining peace efforts Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed that European politicians and media outlets are attempting to undermine US-led efforts to broker a settlement, accusing Western governments of trying to prolong the conflict to weaken Moscow. The EU, UK and other Western partners have publicly expressed concerns about parts of the US plan, warning that any agreement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian air defences repel multiple drone attacks Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence units intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones across the Belgorod, Voronezh, Lipetsk, and Bryansk regions on Tuesday night. No casualties were reported. As diplomatic efforts resume and battlefield intensity escalates, the coming days are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the warring parties move closer to a negotiated settlement or brace for another winter of fighting.

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Banky W And Adesuwa Celebrate 8th Wedding Anniversary With Heartfelt Tribute

Famous singer Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, and his wife, actress Adesuwa, marked their 8th wedding anniversary yesterday. Taking to Instagram, Banky W celebrated his wife with heartfelt words while also taking a subtle dig at those who doubted their marriage would last. He reflected on their journey since tying the knot in 2017 and emphasized that their love is built to last a lifetime. He wrote: “8 years down, forever to go. So much more in love, so much room to grow. Someone said ‘I give them 6 months,’ but little did they know… The bond is unbreakable when the cord is three-fold. My wife. My baby mama. My lover. I love you now, always, and forever. Established in 2017. Finish line is eternity. Happy 8th Anniversary, baby.”

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NWFL Confirms Castmog Ladies’ Relegation

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Secretariat has formally confirmed the relegation of Castmog Ladies from the 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership after the club failed to meet essential licensing and registration requirements for the new season. The decision, in a statement by its Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, on Monday November 24, 2025, follows earlier issued clear warnings to three Premiership clubs, including Castmog Ladies, to comply with all registration and licensing obligations, but the Abeokuta-based outfit failed to meet the stipulated deadline despite the reminders. While confirming the development, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Modupe Shabi, revealed that the Secretariat has begun adjusting competition logistics to reflect the revised structure. “We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the league, and compliance with registration and licensing requirements is a non-negotiable part of that process,” she said. The NWFL COO emphasised that adherence to registration and licensing rules is essential to maintaining a credible and competitive league system while supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of women’s football across the country. She added that revised season schedule and operational details will be released in the coming days. “Our focus is to ensure the season proceeds smoothly on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Updated fixtures and communication will be issued to all clubs, and we remain committed to transparency and professionalism at every stage,” Shabi stated. According to the NWFL Secretariat, all other affected clubs complied with the stipulated requirements within the allocated timeframe, leaving Castmog Ladies as the only Premiership side unable to satisfy the compulsory standards. With the Ogun State based club now officially relegated, the Premiership season will proceed with the approved number of 19 teams. As a direct consequence, every club, including Rivers Angels originally scheduled to face Castmog Ladies in the opening and subsequent fixtures will now observe a bye on those matchdays. REVISED NWFL PREMIERSHIP MATCHDAY ONE FIXTURES – NOVEMBER 26, 2025 Group A Bayelsa Queens vs Edo Queens Adamawa Queens vs Pacesetters Queens Heartland Queens vs Ekiti Queens Naija Ratels vs Ibom Angels Group B Nasarawa Amazons vs Delta Queens Confluence Queens vs Abia Angels Sunshine Queens vs Robo Queens Ahudiyannem Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies Dannaz Ladies vs Osun Babes

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Peggy Ovire Slams Taye Arimoro With Explosive Rebuttal, Says His N100m Claim Is Built on “Lies and Half-Truths”

Peggy Ovire has issued a fiery legal response to the ₦100 million lawsuit filed against her by actor Taye Arimoro, insisting that his entire narrative is fabricated, incomplete, and meant to paint himself as a victim after allegedly assaulting members of her film crew. In the detailed letter released by her lawyers, Ovire rejected every accusation of assault, unlawful detention, harassment, and human-rights violation. Her legal team described Arimoro’s version of events as a “half-story” crafted to hide what they say actually happened on set. According to the letter, Arimoro allegedly attacked the production manager, Luke Obayi, slapping and punching him before knocking him to the ground simply because he was asked to return to set and complete the role he had already been fully paid for. Ovire’s driver, Joshua Madu, was also reportedly assaulted, sustaining injuries and bleeding from the ear and nose after Arimoro allegedly head-butted him while trying to escape the scene. The lawyers noted that several neighbours who witnessed the incident voluntarily submitted statements to the police confirming Arimoro’s violent behaviour. They further explained that Arimoro was not unlawfully detained, as he claimed. Rather, crew members tried to stop him from fleeing after he allegedly assaulted two people and left one of them unconscious. The letter insists that Ovire never laid a hand on Arimoro, except for a brief push while trying to stop him from deflating her car tyres during his attempted getaway. Ovire’s camp also dismissed the Instagram Live video Arimoro posted as a “smokescreen” designed to manipulate public opinion and distract from his own actions. They accused him of selectively obtaining only parts of the CCTV footage that favour him, while ignoring the full evidence available to police and witnesses. The letter also rubbished Arimoro’s claims that he was mobbed, beaten, or left with a fractured jaw, calling those allegations “fabricated.” It stated that the only tyre deflated at the scene was Arimoro’s, done to stop him from escaping before law enforcement arrived. The dispute is now under investigation by both the police and the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Ovire’s lawyers described Arimoro’s ₦100 million demand as premature, misleading, and entirely baseless since the allegations are still being examined by authorities. They maintained that Ovire did not violate Arimoro’s rights in any form, arguing instead that it was Arimoro who violated the rights of two innocent crew members. Her legal team warned that she is prepared to file a petition for assault, breach of peace, and possibly defamation once investigations are concluded. In closing, the letter made it clear that Ovire will not apologise, will not pay compensation, and will not accept responsibility for accusations she insists are rooted in lies, manipulation, and selective storytelling.

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