Kamal Yalwa

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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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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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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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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Atiku Dumps PDP, Officially Joins ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the coalition-backed party he is expected to align with ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku made the announcement on Monday through his X handle, posting a photo of himself holding his ADC membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.” His move follows his July resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been mired in a prolonged internal crisis.

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Russia-Ukraine War Live: US, European Officials Meet in Geneva to Discuss Trump’s Peace Plan

Officials from the United States, Ukraine, and national security advisers from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are holding critical talks in Geneva today to review and negotiate Washington’s draft proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The high-level meeting comes as the Trump administration continues pushing its controversial peace framework, which has drawn mixed reactions among Western allies and sharp scrutiny in Kyiv. Drone strike hits Moscow region Russia has reported that a major heat and power station in the Moscow region was struck by a Ukrainian drone attack. While authorities have yet to disclose the full extent of the damage, the incident marks another escalation in the cross-border strikes that have intensified in recent months. Several injured in Zaporizhia attack Ukrainian officials say at least five people were injured after Russian forces targeted the southeastern city of Zaporizhia. Rescue teams worked through the night to pull survivors from damaged residential structures. Western leaders: Plan “needs more work” European leaders and other Western allies have acknowledged the US plan as a potential starting point for negotiations, but emphasize that it requires “additional work” before it can be considered a viable basis for ending the conflict. The Geneva talks are expected to continue through the day as diplomats attempt to close widening gaps between Kyiv’s demands, Moscow’s conditions, and Washington’s proposed framework.

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Norris, Piastri Disqualified from Las Vegas GP, Reigniting Fierce F1 Title Battle Formula One championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race inspections revealed technical infringements on their cars. According to F1 officials, the skid blocks on both McLaren cars were found to be below the minimum permitted depth, resulting in the team losing Norris’s second-place finish and Piastri’s fourth-place result. Before the disqualification, Norris had crossed the line behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is pushing to close the points gap in the closing stages of the championship. Title race reshaped With the penalties applied, Norris now holds a 24-point lead over both Piastri and Verstappen heading into next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, which also features a sprint race. A total of 58 points remain up for grabs across the final two rounds of the 2025 season. This means Norris could mathematically seal the championship in Qatar if he outscores both Verstappen and Piastri by at least two points over the weekend. The shock disqualification has reignited a title battle that appeared to be narrowing—and sets up a dramatic showdown as F1 heads into its penultimate race.

Formula One championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race inspections revealed technical infringements on their cars. According to F1 officials, the skid blocks on both McLaren cars were found to be below the minimum permitted depth, resulting in the team losing Norris’s second-place finish and Piastri’s fourth-place result. Before the disqualification, Norris had crossed the line behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is pushing to close the points gap in the closing stages of the championship. Title race reshaped With the penalties applied, Norris now holds a 24-point lead over both Piastri and Verstappen heading into next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, which also features a sprint race. A total of 58 points remain up for grabs across the final two rounds of the 2025 season. This means Norris could mathematically seal the championship in Qatar if he outscores both Verstappen and Piastri by at least two points over the weekend. The shock disqualification has reignited a title battle that appeared to be narrowing—and sets up a dramatic showdown as F1 heads into its penultimate race.

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2Baba Reportedly Welcomes Baby Girl With Edo Lawmaker, Natasha

Nigerian music legend, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has reportedly welcomed a baby girl with Natasha, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, IDOMA VOICE reports. Natasha announced the birth in a brief post, sharing the caption “It’s a Girl”, accompanied by prayer emojis. According to reliable sources, the baby was delivered on Thursday night in an Abuja hospital. This development comes months after reports surfaced that 2Baba and his wife, Annie Idibia, had gone their separate ways following prolonged marital challenges. The newborn becomes 2Baba’s eighth child, now spread across four different women, with Natasha being the latest to have a child for the Afrobeats superstar.

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