World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said malnutrition rates are rising in Gaza and emergency treatments to counter it are running out.

It added that hunger could have a lasting impact on “an entire generation.”

Israel has blockaded supplies into the enclave since early March, when it resumed its devastating military campaign against Hamas, and a global hunger monitor on Monday warned that half a million people there faced starvation.

WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Rik Peeperkorn said he had seen children who looked years younger than their age and visited a north Gaza hospital where over 20 per cent of children screened suffered from acute malnutrition.

Peeperkorn told a press briefing by video link from Deir al-Balah that “what we see is an increasing trend in generalised acute malnutrition.

“I’ve seen a child that’s five years old, and you would say it was two-and-a-half.

“Without enough nutritious food, clean water and access to healthcare, an entire generation will be permanently affected.”

He also warned of stunting and impaired cognitive development.

The head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency Philippe Lazzarini told the BBC on Tuesday that he thought Israel was denying food and aid to civilians as a weapon of war.

Israel has repeatedly blamed Hamas for causing hunger by stealing aid meant for civilians. Hamas has denied the allegation.

Israel is pressing its own U.S.-backed plan to get aid into Gaza which it said will cut out Hamas and distribute aid directly from what it calls neutral distribution sites.

The WHO criticised it in a statement on Monday as “grossly inadequate” to meet the population’s immediate needs.

Due to the blockade, WHO only has enough stocks to treat 500 children with acute malnutrition, which is only a fraction of what is needed, Peeperkorn said.

He added that 55 children have died of acute malnutrition, citing Gaza Health Ministry figures.

Peeperkorn said he had seen many children in hospitals with illnesses such as gastroenteritis and pneumonia which, due to their reduced immunity linked to hunger, could be fatal.

“You normally don’t die from starvation. You die from the diseases associated to that,” he added. (Reuters/NAN)

Lagos State Govt. Set To Launch Monthly Rent Payment Scheme

The Lagos State Government says it is finalizing plans to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment system aimed at easing financial burden on residents, especially low-income earners.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate Gov.

He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to make housing accessible and affordable for residents.

He recalled that the state had earlier launched a rent-to-own housing scheme which allows tenants to make an initial five per cent down payment and spread the balance over a 10-year period.

“That initiative was well-received, and its success encouraged us to explore new ways to reduce the pressure of yearly rent payment,” he said.

According to him, many tenants, particularly those with modest incomes, find it difficult to pay rent annually.

Akinderu-Fatai added that “we believe that monthly or quarterly payment options will give people more breathing space and reduce the stress associated with sourcing lump sums.”

He noted that the government was currently engaging landlords, property developers and other key players in the real estate sector to understand the challenges and fine-tune the policy before rolling it out.

He said “of course, there are issues to resolve — things like landlord cooperation, payment tracking and enforcement. But discussions are ongoing and we are listening to all sides.”

The commissioner added that the government was fully committed to the plan, working diligently to implement a pilot phase in selected areas of the state.

“This is not just policy on paper. We are making real progress. We know what this means for many families, and we are determined to make it happen,” he stressed. (NAN)

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

In its efforts to flush out criminal elements across the three senatorial district of Kogi, the State Police Command has arrested 239 suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, cultism, rape, and illegal possession of firearms, among other crimes.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G.

Dantawaye attributed the feat to enhanced intelligence-led policing, rigorous patrols along major highways, raids on criminal hideouts, and the recent graduation of operatives from the command’s Refresher Combat Operation Training Exercise (Course 7), aimed at boosting operational effectiveness.

“In line with our resolve to rid Kogi State of criminal elements, we have adopted comprehensive crime prevention and control strategies that are already yielding commendable results,” the CP said.

He emphasized the importance of public partnership in maintaining security, appealing to traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, market associations, youth groups, hunters, and vigilantes to collaborate with the police in sustaining peace and order.

Highlighting a major breakthrough, the CP revealed that on May 11, 2025, operatives stationed near Kogi State University, Kabba, intercepted a green Sharon vehicle with registration number KUJ 265 BL after the driver refused to comply with a stop-and-search directive.

“The fleeing suspect abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 283 rounds of 7.62/39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and two rounds of 7.62/59mm ammunition,” Dantawaye stated, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect.

The CP also disclosed that the command arrested:75 suspected kidnappers,66 suspected armed robbers,21 for unlawful possession of firearms,18 for homicide,6 for cultism,4 for rape, and49 others for various crimes

He added that the command recovered many exhibits during, operations, including 2 AK-49 rifles,2 pump-action guns,2 locally made pistols,locally made revolver barrel gun,1pump-action magazine,9 expended AK-47 ammunition and 7 expended cartridges.

CP Dantawaye attributed these achievements to the command’s proactive strategies and robust collaboration with community stakeholders.

“Our success is anchored on intelligence-led operations and strong community-police relations. No police force anywhere can function effectively without the support of the people,” he said.

He urged citizens to continue sharing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations, reaffirming the police’s commitment to ensuring peace and order in Kogi State through professionalism, strategic engagement, and vigilance.