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Breaking: 176 dead in South Korea Plane crash
At least 176 people were killed after a passenger jet crash-landed at an airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, authorities said. Jeju Air flight 2216 was landing at Muan International Airport around 9 a.m. local time when the plane went off the runway and crashed into a wall. There were a total of 175 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 aircraft, which had taken off from Bangkok, according to the Korean Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport. The official death toll, which has been provided by the National Fire Agency, has steadily climbed in the hours since the crash. The transport ministry was on the scene investigating the cause of the crash, and details of what happened were beginning to come into focus. Prior to the plane’s crash landing, the control tower issued a warning of a possible bird strike, the ministry said. About a minute after that warning, a pilot sent a mayday distress signal, after which the tower issued permission for the aircraft to land, the ministry said. Video from the scene at the time of the crash appears to show the landing gear was up when the plane touched down, possibly indicating some sort of malfunction, and it also appears the plane landed at a high speed. Videos taken at the scene showed flames and a thick column of dark smoke at the crash site. As of 1 p.m. local time, authorities said the plane had completely burned. A temporary morgue was being set up at the airport. By about 8 p.m., the official death toll had climbed to 176 people, the National Fire Agency said. Eighty-three of the dead were women and 82 were men, the agency said, adding that another 11 bodies remained unidentified. A man and a woman were rescued from the wreckage and were taken to the hospital, according to the transport ministry. Both were crew members, the fire agency said. Their conditions were not released. Initially, there were conflicting reports on the number of people rescued. Jeju Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier that operates an all Boeing fleet, with 42 planes and nearly 3,000 staff. “We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport,” Jeju Air said in a notice posted in English on its website. “We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.” The website’s landing page replaced Jeju Air’s logotype, which is usually orange, with an all-black version. Boeing was in contact with Jeju Air regarding the crash and was “standing ready to support them,” a Boeing spokesperson told ABC News. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew,” the spokesperson said. Muan, a city of roughly 90,000 people, is located in southwest South Korea.
Adeleke appoints ex-deputy Gov. as new Owa Obokun
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has approved the selection of 76-year-old ex-deputy governor, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesa land. The appointment of Haastrup from the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House followed a selection process that was held at Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday morning. The new Owa-Obokun who served as the deputy governor with Isiaka Adeleke, the elder brother of the incumbent governor of Osun State between 1992 to 1993, was elected by the kingmakers amid a restraining order. Earlier this month, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of an Osun State High Court issued a restraining order preventing Prince Clement Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Attorney-General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, among others, from proceeding with the election or appointment of a new Owa-Obokun until a pending suit is resolved. However, in a statement issued on Friday, Isaac Haastrup, the Public Relations Officer of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, confirmed that Clement Adesuyi Haastrup had been elected as the Owa-Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland after defeating nine contestants. Subsequently, Adeleke through his Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi confirmed that the Osun State Executive Council chaired by the governor has approved the appointment of Prince Clement Haastrup after ratification. He added that the appointment of Asaoni of Igbomina, Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye was also approved in the meeting held on Friday. According to him “The appointments of Prince Haastrup as the new Owa-elect was sequel to the demise of the immediate past Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land, Oba ( Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II on the 11th of September 2024 while that of Prince Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina followed the demise of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe on the 19th of Nov.2023. “Governor Adeleke while congratulating the two newly approved monarchs whom he said their choices followed due processes in line with the Chiefs’ law of Osun State 2002( cap 25), enjoined all sons and daughters of the two towns to co-operate with their new traditional rulers, particularly in allowing peace and unity to take the centre stage.”
VeryDarkMan claims NGO account hacked, N180m stolen
Social media commentator, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has claimed that over ₦180 million was stolen from his NGO’s account following a hacking incident. Otse addressed the incident in an Instagram video On Friday, revealing that the funds had been diverted to an unknown account. “I’ve not been myself these past few days,” Otse shared. “Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and N180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested. “The account is now on PND (Post No Debit). There’s N20 million left, while N160 million was diverted. We’re heading to Jos to recover the money.” He also disclosed that the NGO’s app was temporarily shut down for maintenance to prevent further breaches and assured followers that updates on the recovery efforts would follow. In October, Otse launched the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, amassing over ₦35 million in donations within hours. Shortly after, music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, contributed ₦100 million to the cause.
Man slits friend’s throat in Kogi
A 19-year old student of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, Usman Tijani’s throat has been reportedly slit by his friend over N200,000. Media reports claimed Tijani was lured to a burialground by one Abdulmuqeet Musari, who attacked him, resulting in a throat injury and stole the sum of ₦200,000 meant for Point of Sale (PoS) business. According to a family member, Zainab Avosuahi, the incident occured on December 24, 2024, when Musari deceived Usman into a secluded area. Usman is now receiving medical care at a Lokoja hospital, where he is undergoing surgery. The authorities are currently searching for the suspect, who is now at large. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and support for one another to prevent such unfortunate events in the future.
Police arrest Catholic Priest, others over Abuja stampede
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including children. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event aimed at assisting the needy on December 23, 2024, when a large crowd surged towards the church’s gates, leading to chaos and fatalities. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. She emphasized that organizing such a large event without notifying the police is a serious oversight, especially given the tragic loss of life. After initial questioning, the arrested individuals were allowed to return home as the investigation continues. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese criticized the arrests, describing them as counterproductive and lacking compassion. In a Christmas message, he urged the government to support the church and the victims’ families instead of pursuing legal action against church officials. He expressed concern over the government’s response, suggesting that it should focus on improving safety measures for future events rather than threatening prosecution. The stampede in Abuja is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents, with over 60 lives lost across three separate events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states. President Bola Tinubu has also commented on the situation, attributing the tragedies to poor planning by the event organisers. Witnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. as thousands gathered for the distribution, with many refusing to queue, leading to a dangerous crush at the entrance. The police have since issued new guidelines for organizing large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Gov. Adeleke grants 53 inmates pardon in Osun
The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has granted 53 inmates pardon in the State. Adeleke disclosed this via his X handle formerly Twitter on Wednesday. “In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service. “In the case of inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences of the following 30 (thirty ) inmates in whole,” the Governor stated. The inmates that have regained freedom are; Olubo Sunday, Isah Umar Biodun, Fawas Kareem, Omirin Temitope, Olanrewaju Ayomide, Dare Sunday, Oladapo Tunde, Ganiyu Saheed, Adewumi Sodiq, Adebayo Adeoye Kehinde, Lasis Kazeem, Dauda Ojo, Ismaila Raji, Oseni Micheal, Ajayi Korede and Abiona Nurudeen. Others are; Oshi Samuel, Sheu Yusuf Olatunji, Ojo Aanu, Mustapha Kehinde, Lasis Abeeb, Alexandra Iolaha. Ojo Taiwo, Azeez Mujeeb, Akinyemi David, Adeosun Adekunle, Olabaju Samuel, Adura Adefemi, Paul Basil and Kunle David. The Governor also decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to the following 12 (Twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences. They are; Olabamiji Nurudeen, Mustapha Isah, Olalekan Abdullahi, Ayomide Olojede, Akeem Raphael, Adeyemi Abiodun, Oladipupo Segun, Omisakin Sunday, Ademola Adio, Tunde Olapade. Late Chief Wole Ola Rufus Ojo and Omoloye Olajide Olayemi. In the case of the following 6 (Six) Convicts sentenced to death, the Governor approved the commutation of their sentence from death to outright release while Ojekunle Timothy has his sentence commuted from death sentence to 15 (Fifteen) years imprisonment having spent at least 10 (ten) years in custody. The freed ones are; Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, Amehin George, Ayomide Arulogun, Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen and Abubarkar Abdulazeez. The following 4 (Four) Convicts also have their sentences commuted from death sentence to outright pardon. They are Sunday Marakinyo, Segun Olowookere, Tunde Olapade and Demola Odeyemi.
FG launches N250bn Real Investment Fund
As part of efforts to increase housing opportunities for all Nigerians, the Federal Government has launched a N250 billion Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF). According to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on its X page, the government said the initiative was designed to provide low-cost, long-term mortgage financing and stimulate economic growth through the housing and construction sectors. Presiding over the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasised that the initiative addresses Nigeria’s housing finance gap by offering mortgages with repayment terms of up to 25 years. This contrasts sharply with the high-interest, short-tenor loans currently offered by commercial banks. The initiative would enable Nigerians to build generational wealth through sustainable homeownership.
Nigeria rejects Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s allegations
The Federal Government has strongly rejected the allegations in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country. These claims, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country. Idris said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger. “Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country. “Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. “We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region. “Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership. “The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted. “The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond. “Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges. “The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail. “President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. “We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”