Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

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Alex Iwobi Breaks Shola Ameobi’s Record To Become Nigeria’s Most Featured Player In Premier League History

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the Nigerian player with the most appearances in Premier League history. The Fulham playmaker reached the historic mark on Saturday during his team’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Arsenal at Craven Cottage, marking his 299th league appearance. With this, Iwobi broke the long-standing record of 288 appearances previously held by former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi — a record that had remained untouched for 11 years. According to Bold Sports, the feat was especially memorable for Iwobi, as it came against Arsenal, the club where he began his Premier League journey. Throughout his career, the 29-year-old has made 149 appearances for Arsenal, 140 for Everton, and 85 for Fulham, including Saturday’s outing — a testament to his consistency, durability, and influence in English football.

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U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Suffers Heavy Loss to Canada

Canada’s U17 girls scored three second-half goals to dominate Nigeria 4-1 in the opening match of Group D of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco. The game at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Moroccan city of Salé, near Rabat, was barely two minutes old when Canada went in front after a strong run by Molly Hale from the left was smartly finished off by Gabriela Istocki. The Flamingos rose stoutly to the challenge, contesting for every ball, and taking over the midfield. In the 9th minute, captain Shakirat Moshood’s long-range drive was saved by goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse, and four minutes later, Moshood’s volley from the edge of the box rose a little too high. As the Flamingos continued to pile pressure, Chisom Nwachukwu shot directly at Cisse from the left wing, but on the half hour, Cisse could not hold firm to Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot as Nigeria broke forward again, and Queen Joseph was on hand to bundle the ball over the line for the equalizer. The Flamingos came into the second half even more energized, and a good cross by Nwachukwu was punched away by the alert Cisse in the 68th minute. Five minutes later, Canada went 2-1 up after a long ball freed substitute Melisa Kekic, and she turned a defender before firing low past Elizabeth Boniface. With 10 minutes left, substitute Julia Amireh profited hugely as goalkeeper Boniface spilled the ball in an attempt to foil an attack by the rampant Canadians, making it 3-1. Six minutes later, it was 4-1, as Amireh outpaced the Nigerian defence and drove the ball to the far right of Boniface. The Flamingos will next take on France on Wednesday evening.

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Education Ministry Denies Snubbing 15-Year-Old Nigerian Math Whiz Chosen For China Olympiad

The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports that it failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian student who allegedly qualified to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. The clarification followed public outrage sparked by a post from Educare’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Onyia, who accused the ministry of denying financial support to the student, identified as Agbo Adoga from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt. Onyia claimed the refusal prevented the teenager from attending the global mathematics competition. In his post on X, Onyia wrote, “Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Agbo Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China. Nigerian Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!” However, in a press statement released on Sunday, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Feo Folasade, denied receiving any official correspondence requesting sponsorship for the student. “The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of the report circulating online regarding a supposed sponsorship request for a 15-year-old student said to have qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China,” the statement said. It further explained that no document or communication from any recognised institution or body was found in the ministry’s records regarding the alleged sponsorship. The ministry also urged members of the public to disregard unverified information and ensure that all education-related matters are confirmed through its official channels. Reaffirming its dedication to promoting excellence, the ministry stated that it remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through proper and transparent procedures.

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Liverpool Suffer 2-1 Defeat To Manchester United At Anfield

Liverpool endured a disappointing 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League. Manchester United stunned the home crowd with an early strike from Bryan Mbeumo in the first minute, giving the visitors an immediate advantage. Liverpool struggled to respond in the first half, creating few clear chances despite dominating possession. The Reds finally drew level in the 77th minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished a well-worked move to bring hope of a comeback. However, Liverpool’s resurgence was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, Harry Maguire headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross to restore United’s lead and secure the win. Manager Arne Slot faced criticism for his tactical choices, including benching key players, as Liverpool’s struggles continue to raise questions about their consistency and title ambitions this season. The defeat leaves Liverpool searching for answers as they aim to halt their run of poor results and regain momentum in the league.

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Aston Villa Defeat Tottenham 2-1 In Stunning Comeback Victory

Tottenham Hotspur’s bright start ended in disappointment on Sunday as Aston Villa fought back to claim a 2–1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs opened the scoring just five minutes into the match through Rodrigo Bentancur, who finished off a slick move from close range. The hosts looked dominant early on, pressing high and controlling possession, but their momentum began to fade midway through the first half. Villa grew into the game and were rewarded in the 37th minute when Morgan Rogers produced a brilliant curling effort from the edge of the box to draw his side level. In the second half, Tottenham struggled to regain control, and their defensive organization suffered following the late withdrawal of captain Cristian Romero, who pulled out before kickoff due to injury. Aston Villa’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute when substitute Emiliano Buendía fired a low, precise shot into the bottom corner to seal the comeback win. Despite Tottenham’s late pressure, Villa held firm to secure all three points. The victory marks Villa’s fifth straight win in all competitions, showcasing their growing confidence and resilience under pressure. Tottenham, on the other hand, were left to rue missed chances and lapses in concentration that cost them valuable points at home. With the result, Villa climb into the top half of the Premier League table, while Spurs slip to sixth — raising questions about their ability to maintain consistency in crucial matches. The game’s outcome has once again highlighted Tottenham’s struggles with defensive stability and game management, while Villa continue to impress as one of the league’s most tactically disciplined sides.

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Hairstylist Dies By Suicide After Discovering Boyfriend’s Infidelity

A 22-year-old hairstylist, Odama Mary Agado, has reportedly taken her own life in Enugu after discovering that her boyfriend was unfaithful. Mary, who hailed from Woleche-Ipuole, Yahe Ward in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, allegedly ingested a poisonous substance, believed to be sniper, following the emotional shock. She had been living and working in Enugu, where she was reportedly doing well in her hairstyling business. According to sources, Mary had even bought a car and rented an apartment for her boyfriend, highlighting the depth of her care and commitment. A family member, Daniel, said Mary visited her boyfriend last Friday and found him with another woman in the apartment she had secured for him. Heartbroken, she returned to her own apartment and called her mother, reportedly saying she could not continue living. Her mother, unable to return the call due to lack of airtime, later received word that Mary had ingested poison and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, she was pronounced dead later that day. Mary’s body was taken back to her hometown in Yala, where she was buried immediately on Saturday. “We buried her right away. She was too young for a prolonged burial process. Some believe spiritual forces were involved, but nothing can bring her back now,” the family source said. The family decided not to involve the police, considering the death a suicide. The tragic event has left residents of Enugu and Yala in shock and has reignited discussions about mental health awareness and the importance of emotional support for young people.

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Federal Government Confirms Mathematics Still Mandatory For All O-Level Students

Federal Government Confirms Mathematics Still Mandatory For All O-Level Students

The Federal Government has clarified that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O-Level examinations in Nigeria. The clarification came in a statement on Sunday by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, following public confusion over earlier remarks suggesting that students in the arts and humanities might not need a credit in Mathematics for tertiary admissions. Earlier in the week, Boriowo had announced that some tertiary programmes could admit students without a credit in English or Mathematics. The announcement sparked debate, with critics arguing it could lower academic standards and encourage students to take the subjects less seriously. In the latest statement, Boriowo emphasized that all students are still required to register and sit for both Mathematics and English Language in their O-Level exams. “All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement said. She clarified that the adjustment only affects admission requirements, allowing some institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit in one of the subjects is not mandatory. The Ministry said the reform is part of the Federal Government’s effort to promote equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while noting that Mathematics and English remain crucial for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. Students, parents, and stakeholders were urged to rely on official government channels for accurate updates on education policies. When asked if this represented a reversal of the earlier position, Boriowo said, “No, it’s not a U-turn — it’s a clarification of the admission requirements aimed at expanding access to tertiary education.”

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