NEWS
Community Demands Justice for Kidnap, Rape Victims in Katsina

Residents of Yan-Maulu Community in Baure Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have demanded justice for the family members of a philanthropist, Alhaji Sidi Usman-Waziri, who were kidnapped recently.The community expressed its complaints and demands during Wednesday’s peaceful protest in the area.
Spokesman for the protesters, Malam Mohammad Abdullahi, alleged in a speech that Usman-Waziri’s wife, Hajiya Zulaihat Sidi, was raped by their captors in their den. Abdullahi said that Zulaihat, who was kidnapped in 2022, alongside her five-day-old baby, spent about eight days in the kidnappers’ captivity.He also said that the woman and her baby were released after a N20 million ransom was paid by Usman-Waziri.According to him, after the release of the victims, about eight suspects were arrested, where they mentioned a traditional title holder as their sponsor.Abdullahi further disclosed that Iliya Dakaci, the Ward Head of Mantau, who is the acting District Head of Yan-Maulu, was later arrested and still under detention.“We embarked on this protest because there were rumours that Dakaci would be released, hence we’re asking the State Government and other relevant authorities to intervene.“We’re also appealing to the concerned authorities to ensure that there’s a fair trial, so that justice should be done for the victims,” he said.The protesters further appealed to the Daura Emirate Council to suspend the Ward Head, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation on the matter.They contended that since the arrest of the ward head and other suspects, cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, theft and other criminal activities had reduced in the area.Another Spokesman, Nasir Abdullahi, alleged that there were hidden forces working towards the release of the ward head.Malam Mu’azu Haruna, one of the community members, called on the human rights bodies to intervene in the matter because of the allegation of rape. (NAN)Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)