2025 | Page 82 of 264 | Trendbrio.com

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

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

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.

VP Shettima to Accompany Buhari’s Body Back Home

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

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.

BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

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.

Six Killed, Two Women Abducted as Bandits Attack Katsina Community

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

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.

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

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

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.

WTT Increases 2025 Contender Lagos Prize Money

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

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.

Brou, Okanlawon Set to Represent Nigeria at 2025 World Fencing Championships in Georgia

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Nigeria’s rising fencing stars, Inkosi Brou and Wisdom Okanlawon, are set to compete at the prestigious 2025 World Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from July 22 to 30. In addition to competing against the world’s best, both athletes have been selected to participate in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Training Camp, which will precede the championships. The camp, running from July 16 to 21 at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace, will feature elite coaching and international collaboration, offering a unique opportunity for skill development and global exposure. Brou and Okanlawon made their international debut earlier this year at the World Junior Championships in China. Now, they are set to make their senior world championship debut in Georgia. Inkosi Brou, who reached the knockout stage at the recently concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships in Lagos, will undergo a training tour in France before heading to Georgia. Ranked 75th in the world, the teenage sabreur will compete in the Men’s Individual Sabre event. Wisdom Okanlawon, widely regarded as Nigeria’s top homegrown fencer, will also make his first appearance at the global level. He is expected to depart Nigeria this week to join the training camp and will compete in the Men’s Individual Épée event. His participation is aimed at improving his international ranking and gaining valuable experience from top-tier fencers. The World Fencing Championships will feature individual and team events across all three weapons—foil, épée, and sabre—for both men and women. According to the FIE, the training camp will be led by world-renowned coaches including Zoran Tulum (sabre), Kuki Patru (foil), and Bela Kopetka (épée). Over 50 fencers from around the world are expected to attend, making it a dynamic environment for learning, competition preparation, and international camaraderie. In a statement, the FIE noted, “The camp will offer fencers the chance to train with peers from around the world, participate in group sessions, and elevate their game through video analysis, tactical workshops, and fun team-building activities.” This marks a significant milestone for Nigerian fencing, as the country continues to gain recognition on the global stage through the efforts of its young athletes and the support of international partnerships.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper With N13.7m, Weapons Along Wamba–Jos Road

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, currently executing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have intercepted a suspected kidnapper with a cache of arms and N13.7 million in cash along the Wamba–Jos Road in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The arrest, which occurred on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, followed a snap checkpoint operation mounted at Agameti, according to Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for the military operation. During the routine stop-and-search, troops intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle with three occupants. However, two of the individuals quickly exited the car and fled on foot before reaching the checkpoint. Upon inspection, the remaining suspect was found with two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, three mobile phones, a knife, a football, assorted charms, a torchlight, and a large sum of cash amounting to ₦13,742,000. Bullet holes and bloodstains were also discovered on the vehicle, raising further suspicion. The suspect reportedly attempted to bribe the troops at the scene but was rebuffed and taken into custody. “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings along the Jos–Makurdi Road and agreed to lead troops to the gang’s hideout,” Major Zhakom said. “However, in a failed attempt to escape, he tried to disarm the soldiers and was neutralised.” Troops have since launched follow-up operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the entire criminal network. Major Zhakom reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting citizens and ridding the region of criminal elements.