At Least Three Palestinians Killed by Israeli Strikes in Gaza Amid Fragile Ceasefire

At least three Palestinians have been killed in Gaza despite the ongoing ceasefire, according to medical sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on Thursday. The deaths mark yet another violation of the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, heightening fears of renewed hostilities. The latest attacks occurred as both sides continue to accuse each other of breaching the terms of the ceasefire, which was meant to bring temporary relief to the war-battered enclave. Witnesses reported Israeli strikes in central and southern Gaza, with several civilians among the casualties. An Israeli government agency has meanwhile announced that the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for the movement of people will remain delayed. The crossing, a critical route for humanitarian aid and evacuation, has been closed for weeks amid ongoing security and logistical disputes. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed the military to prepare what he described as a “comprehensive plan” to defeat Hamas should the ceasefire collapse completely. The directive underscores Tel Aviv’s continued insistence on dismantling the group’s military and political infrastructure. Hamas, for its part, has handed over the remains of two more Israeli captives, according to Palestinian media outlets. The group admitted, however, that locating the bodies of additional captives buried beneath Gaza’s widespread destruction will require specialised equipment and external assistance. The truce, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, remains tenuous as sporadic gunfire, drone strikes, and shelling persist in several areas of Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if full-scale hostilities resume. Health officials in Gaza say the death toll continues to rise even during periods of supposed calm, as limited medical access and infrastructure collapse make it increasingly difficult to treat the wounded. The ongoing violence also complicates diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the region. Talks to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid have stalled amid mutual distrust and political pressure on both sides. International observers have urged Israel to maintain restraint and allow aid access through Rafah, while calling on Hamas to uphold the truce and release any remaining hostages. For many in Gaza, however, the ceasefire offers little solace. As one resident told Al Jazeera, “Even when they say there is a ceasefire, we still live in fear. The sounds of drones and explosions never really stop.”

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VeryDarkMan Fires Back At Blord After IG Suspension, Says “Business Wise, I Don Collect Am”

VeryDarkMan has struck back at Blord following the suspension of Blord’s Instagram account. The feud ignited when Blord advertised iPhone XRs modified to look like iPhone 17s at discounted prices. In response, VeryDarkMan posted a similar ad, undercutting Blord with an even lower price. Blord attempted to retaliate by sharing explicit videos of VeryDarkMan, but the move backfired, resulting in the suspension of his own account. VeryDarkMan dismissed the drama, saying Blord’s actions were driven by anger and that he simply “fell into his own trap.” He added that he remains unfazed, noting his reputation was already tainted. He stated, “I told them if I come for you, you’re the victim, if you come for me you’re still the victim… Now you don lose in every way. Business wise, I don collect am.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Martins vincent otse (@verydarkblackman)

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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Senate Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan’s confirmation, which took place on Thursday, followed a rigorous screening session where he answered questions from senators over several hours. The queries focused on issues such as electoral reforms, electoral malpractices, and the independence of INEC. Following the confirmation, the Senate is now expected to formally notify President Bola Tinubu of Amupitan’s appointment. Prior to the confirmation, President Tinubu had written to the Senate urging lawmakers to expedite the process of approving Amupitan’s nomination.  

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NNPP Too Small For Me, Kwankwaso Never Reached Out While I Was In Prison,’ Says Faruk Lawan

Former Nigerian lawmaker Faruk Lawan has revealed that the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, never reached out to him during his time in prison. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Lawan expressed disappointment that even a year after regaining his freedom, Kwankwaso still had not contacted him. Lawan, who was recently pardoned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 9, 2025, following his conviction for corruption offences, stated that although mutual respect remains between him and Kwankwaso, their political paths have now diverged. “Now a whole year has passed, and he hasn’t called to wish me well or to say ‘May God bring you out of this place’ or even to pray for me,” Lawan lamented, describing it as a clear indication of a lack of concern from his former political ally. He clarified that while there is still mutual respect, he no longer aligns politically with the Kwankwasiyya movement. “Between me and Kwankwaso, there is still respect and relationship, but politically, to be sincere, I’m no longer aligning with him and the NNPP,” he said. Explaining his decision to move away from the NNPP, Lawan said he now seeks to operate on a broader, national scale rather than remain within what he described as a party “too small” for his political ambitions. “Even before now, the party I belong to is a national party. I’m not a local politician, and I believe my political reach should be expansive. As it stands now, the NNPP feels too small for me,” he stated. Reflecting on his time in prison, Lawan said the experience gave him clarity about who his true friends were. “Whenever God places you in a trial, He illuminates for you who your allies are and who are not. If you are in such a place, you have a long time to reflect on your relationships,” he said. In contrast, Lawan praised some political figures who stood by him throughout his ordeal. He recalled how former APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje maintained regular contact, often speaking with him for hours and checking on his welfare. “There is not a week that will pass by that he (Ganduje) will not call me for us to talk for an hour, asking me how the situation is, including my lawyer arrangements,” he recounted. He also noted that some members of the National Assembly and a 10-member committee sent by the Speaker of the House of Representatives visited him during his incarceration, offering support that contributed to his eventual release. Describing his presidential pardon as a moment of joy and renewal, Lawan said, “If one faces a trial and God presents a chance for pardon, then one must rejoice. Honestly, my family, my supporters, wherever they are, we all know that the day this happened was a day of joy for all of us.” He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting him the pardon, calling it an act of justice and compassion. “It was also a day we gave thanks to God, for He delivered us, and to thank the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for doing what was right and deserving of commendation,” he said. Reflecting on his faith and optimism, Lawan concluded that his time in prison strengthened his spirit and outlook on life. “This made it so that even before leaving prison, my mind was at ease, and I was convinced that wherever I would go, I would find people to interact with. If they could survive there, I saw no reason why I couldn’t survive outside,” he said.

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Minister Dele Alake Calls for Closure of Nigerian Schools Charging Tuition in Foreign Currencies

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has called for the closure of Nigerian schools that charge tuition fees in foreign currencies, describing the practice as a significant drain on the nation’s economy. Alake made the remarks during the Nigeria Gold Day Celebration, held alongside the 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja on Wednesday. The event carried the theme “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.” “I am going to propose to the Federal Executive Council that all schools in Nigeria charging in foreign currencies should be shut down,” Alake said, condemning the practice as one of several economic loopholes that hinder national development. He highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that many parents pay enormous sums in foreign currency for school fees. “If your child is attending a school in Abuja or Lagos paying 10,000 pounds or 10,000 dollars, you then have to convert naira to dollars, driving the value of the dollar up. You can’t establish a school in the UK and charge in naira; it’s only in this country that such contradictions harm the economy,” he lamented. Alake also emphasized the need for Nigerians to focus on productive, constructive, and regenerative activities that contribute to national growth. The minister further outlined government efforts to curb financial leakages within Nigeria’s gold sector, including the adoption of digital systems to reduce cash transactions, limit corruption, and position Nigerian gold as a globally credible medium of exchange. He explained that the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP), part of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) and administered through the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), allows the government to buy gold directly from artisanal miners in naira, helping boost foreign reserves and stabilise the naira. Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Director of the SMDF, noted that gold exploration funding in Nigeria is increasing, contrary to global trends. She urged stakeholders to capitalise on Nigeria’s gold resources and support initiatives aimed at making the country a top destination for junior miners. The Nigeria Mining Week, which runs from October 13 to 15, is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.  

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Blord’s Instagram Shut Down Following Online Feud With VeryDarkMan

Nigerian crypto entrepreneur and social media influencer Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, has had his Instagram account removed following a heated online clash with activist VeryDarkMan (VDM). The account, which boasted over 3 million followers, suddenly became inaccessible on October 15, 2025, triggering a flurry of speculation and discussion across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Fans expressed shock and curiosity over the disappearance of his account. The controversy reportedly began when Blord shared a private video of VDM on his Instagram story, allegedly purchased for ₦500,000. The post was considered a violation of Instagram’s privacy and harassment policies, leading to either the suspension or deletion of his account. While some reports suggest the removal is permanent, others indicate it could be a temporary suspension with the possibility of reinstatement. The situation has sparked mixed reactions online. Supporters of VDM, known as the “Ratels,” celebrated the outcome as a victory, while Blord’s fans expressed frustration and disappointment, criticizing his actions and questioning his judgment. It remains uncertain whether Blord will regain access to his Instagram account. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to social media guidelines and demonstrates the influence of online communities in holding users accountable.

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Kenneth Okonkwo Says Bayelsa Governorship Vacant After Douye Diri Quits PDP

Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood actor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the Bayelsa State governorship vacant following Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Diri, along with several members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, officially resigned from the PDP on Wednesday, sparking speculation that he may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor did not give detailed reasons for his resignation, only citing “obvious reasons.” According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the announcement was made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa. The meeting included Speaker of the House Abraham Ingobere, his deputy Michael Ogbere, All Progressives Grand Alliance minority leader Edward Brigidi, and seven other lawmakers. Alabrah noted that Diri made the decision after extensive consultations with state leaders and thanked his supporters, urging them to continue supporting his administration as he works to strengthen Bayelsa State. The resignation of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was absent from the meeting, was not addressed by the governor. Okonkwo, reacting on Instagram, argued that Diri had effectively forfeited his position as governor by leaving the PDP without joining another political party. He cited Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that a person must be “a member of a political party and sponsored by that political party” to qualify for election as governor. He called on INEC to act immediately, declaring the governorship vacant and organizing fresh elections within 90 days. Okonkwo wrote: “Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has vacated his seat by resigning from the PDP and not belonging to any party. The law is clear that every elected official must be a member of a political party, as stated in Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution. An elected official may only defect from one party to another, but cannot be without a party. I therefore call on INEC to declare his seat vacant immediately and conduct a gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State within the next 90 days.”  

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Sultan of Sokoto Urges Regulation of Social Media to Prevent Abuse and Promote National Unity

Sultan of Sokoto Urges Regulation of Social Media to Prevent Abuse and Promote National Unity

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the regulation of social media in Nigeria, citing its growing misuse as a threat to peace, unity, and mutual respect in the country. Addressing the Northern Ulamah Summit on insecurity and socioeconomic challenges in Kaduna through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Sultan expressed concern over how social media is being abused, even by scholars. He warned that unmonitored online activity allows anyone to insult others without consequences. “Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone—whether a respected individual, a leader, a neighbour, or even a family member. There are no laws, no consequences, and no one to challenge this behaviour,” the Sultan said. He added that other countries regulate social media, ensuring that posts that cause division or unrest can be traced and punished, and called for Nigeria to implement similar measures. The summit, organized by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas, brought together Islamic scholars, political leaders, and stakeholders from northern Nigeria to discuss ways to tackle insecurity, strengthen religious harmony, and enhance the role of scholars in national development. Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, stressed the need for unity and responsible communication. “We must rise above our differences. The Qur’an and Sunnah guide us to work together for peace, justice, and good relationships,” he said, warning against the spread of misinformation online that fuels conflict. Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi also highlighted the importance of responsible online engagement, cautioning against defamation while rejecting complete censorship. “Existing laws against false accusations and defamation should be updated to match the speed and universality of social media,” he noted. Other respected clerics present included Sheikh Ibrahim Khalid, Sheikh Abubakar Jahid, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu (JNI), Dr. Bashir Dahiru Bauchi, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmed, and Sheikh Maihula. Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, called on northern communities to take responsibility for local security challenges, noting that many violent incidents are perpetrated by residents themselves. Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa pledged legislative support to implement the summit’s recommendations. Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano addressed international claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, describing them as false and emphasizing peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. The summit concluded with a strong call for verified, responsible communication by scholars and the public, underlining the need for unity, peace, and accountability both online and offline.  

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