Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has attributed the deaths of “about ten persons” in Sokoto to a secondary explosion following military airstrikes, dismissing claims that the fatalities resulted directly from the strikes.

The Sokoto State Government earlier reported that ten villagers were killed and others injured during the strikes in the Silame Local Government Area.

However, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, clarified during a briefing in Abuja on Friday that the casualties were caused by explosions from a terrorist logistics base targeted in the operation.

“One of the targets was a logistics base of the terrorists in the community, which housed arms caches and other materials. When the munitions hit, it caused a secondary explosion, generating debris that led to the reported deaths,” Buba explained.

He emphasized that the airstrikes directly targeted members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, who were killed during the operation.

“The people who were hit directly by the airstrikes were the Lakurawa terrorist group, and they were burned beyond recognition,” he said.

Buba stated that the strikes were carefully planned, involving human intelligence to confirm the targets before a synchronized operation between the Air Force and ground forces.

“The Air Force carried out precision strikes using precision munitions. Afterward, the land forces moved to the site and confirmed that the strikes had hit the intended targets – the terrorist group,” he added.

While confirming the operation’s success against the terrorists, Buba did not disclose the exact number of casualties, a detail that continues to stir public debate.

Meanwhile, the victims of the explosion have been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Air Peace has dismissed reports of a purported plane crash involving one of its aircraft in the Western Sahara region, describing the claims as false, malicious, and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday in Lagos, the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, refuted allegations that the crash resulted in fatalities, including the death of a prominent individual.

“We categorically state that this information is false and malicious. This is a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and tarnish the impeccable safety record of Air Peace,” the statement read.

Ndiulo noted that the originator of the report has a history of spreading false and alarming information about non-existent tragic events.

The statement further explained that the images circulating with the report are AI-generated and not reflective of any real incident.

“We urge the public to disregard this malicious disinformation and rely on official channels for accurate information regarding Air Peace operations,” it added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the false claim originated from an X user on December 26, alleging that a crash involving an Air Peace aircraft had claimed 50 lives.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his two sons, visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this via X on Friday.

During his recent maiden media chat, Tinubu had commended Wike for his performance as minister.

Hundreds of passengers have been stranded for two days at the Warri train station in Delta State following the breakdown of a free train service introduced for the festive season.

The incident has led to frustration and disappointment among travelers, with eyewitnesses describing the scene at the station as chaotic and overcrowded. Many passengers have criticized the delay in addressing the issue, blaming it on inadequate maintenance of the train service.

“It’s unfortunate that we’ve been stuck here for two days,” one stranded passenger said. “Maybe because the train is free, they don’t think it’s important to maintain it properly.”

The free train service was launched as a special initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ease travel during the festive season. The programme, which offers free transportation from December 20 to January 5, was initially praised by citizens as a commendable effort by the government.

However, the breakdown at the Warri station has marred the initiative, leaving many passengers stranded and frustrated.

“We appreciate the government’s effort, but this breakdown has caused us more harm than good,” another passenger said. “The authorities need to act fast to fix the train and help us continue our journey.”

As of the time of this report, no official statement has been issued regarding the cause of the breakdown or when services will resume.

Passengers are urging the government and relevant agencies to prioritize repairs and provide immediate assistance to those affected.

Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and a key figure in the country’s economic liberalization, has passed away at the age of 92.

Singh, one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers, held office from 2004 to 2014. Before that, as finance minister in the 1990s, he spearheaded transformative economic reforms that reshaped India’s economy. Reports indicate that Singh had been hospitalized in Delhi after his health deteriorated.

Tributes poured in following his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh as “one of India’s most distinguished leaders” and praised his “wisdom and humility.” Modi also acknowledged Singh’s efforts to improve the lives of Indians during his tenure as prime minister.

Congress party leaders also paid their respects. Priyanka Gandhi described Singh as “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end.” Her brother Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, said he had “lost a mentor and guide.”

Singh made history as the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full term and as the first Sikh to hold the country’s highest office. During his tenure, he publicly apologized in parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which around 3,000 Sikhs were killed.

While Singh’s first term as prime minister was widely lauded, his second term was overshadowed by corruption scandals, which many believe contributed to the Congress party’s heavy defeat in the 2014 general election.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mrs. Joy Enwa, the Accountant General of Delta State, as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ₦1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

According to EFCC sources, the funds in question include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation intended for oil-producing states. The anti-graft agency has also interrogated other officials, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior official from the Government House.

The arrest follows the detention of former Governor Okowa in November at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office over allegations of diverting state funds for personal gain. Assets allegedly connected to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and investments in the oil sector.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating, “Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who previously served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020. This is not her first controversy, as she was implicated in 2015 in a ₦369 million fraud case involving state officials and bank representatives.

When approached for comments, Mrs. Enwa declined to elaborate, saying, “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”

The EFCC investigation continues, with more details expected to emerge as the case unfolds.The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mrs. Joy Enwa, the Accountant General of Delta State, as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ₦1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

According to EFCC sources, the funds in question include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation intended for oil-producing states. The anti-graft agency has also interrogated other officials, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior official from the Government House.

The arrest follows the detention of former Governor Okowa in November at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office over allegations of diverting state funds for personal gain. Assets allegedly connected to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and investments in the oil sector.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating, “Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who previously served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020. This is not her first controversy, as she was implicated in 2015 in a ₦369 million fraud case involving state officials and bank representatives.

When approached for comments, Mrs. Enwa declined to elaborate, saying, “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”

The EFCC investigation continues, with more details expected to emerge as the case unfolds.

At least 10 people were killed and several others injured after a fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday.

The Sokoto State Government confirmed the incident, describing it as a tragic error. According to the Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were struck during a military operation targeting terrorist groups in the area.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu visited the affected communities to sympathize with the residents, calling the incident “unfortunate” and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. “The military jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal groups terrorizing the state and mistakenly bombed innocent villagers,” the governor said.

Aliyu assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the error and prevent future occurrences. He prayed for the deceased and urged the families to remain strong in the face of the tragedy.

Abubakar Mohammed Daftarana, Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, identified the intended target of the operation as members of the Lakurawa terrorist group. He added that efforts were underway to assess the full extent of casualties and damages caused by the airstrike.

However, confirming the exact number of deaths and injuries remains challenging, as assessments are ongoing. Attempts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful, as the spokesman’s contact was unreachable.

The military authorities later issued a statement addressing the incident. Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, spokesman for Operation Fansan Yamma, neither confirmed nor denied that military jets struck the civilian communities.

He emphasized the complexity of the ongoing military operations and warned against unverified reports. “All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance to ensure precision and safeguard civilian lives,” Abdullahi stated.

He added that the targets hit near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group, reaffirming the justification for the operation. Abdullahi also highlighted the risk of media disinformation by terrorist groups attempting to undermine military successes.

The death toll from post-election riots in Mozambique has risen to approximately 150, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide. At least 121 people have reportedly died since Monday.

The unrest began after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), as the winner of the presidential election with 65% of the votes. FRELIMO has been in power for 49 years.

Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the votes, rejected the results, alleging electoral manipulation. Mondlane has since fled Mozambique, urging his supporters to protest against what he described as a fraudulent election. In a social media post over the weekend, he warned of a possible popular uprising if the results are not overturned.

Adding to the chaos, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison amid the political unrest, according to Mozambique police chief Bernardino Rafael. Clashes between inmates and guards left 33 prisoners dead and 15 injured.

The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the fallout from the disputed election.

A fire outbreak has ravaged the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) office in Oshodi, Lagos, near Cappa Bus Stop.

The incident reportedly started around midnight on Wednesday, December 25, and efforts to contain the blaze were ongoing as of 5 a.m. on Thursday, December 26.

Men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), are actively working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby offices and buildings.

Although no casualties have been reported, the fire has caused extensive damage, destroying property valued at millions of naira. Rescue operations are still underway.