Friday, April 19

Bayelsa Communities Receive Governor Diri Amid Soldier Killings
19Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Bayelsa Communities Receive Governor Diri Amid Soldier Killings

Emotions ran high as the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, made a visit to the troubled Igbomotoru communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His visit aimed to express sympathy to the people and assess the extent of damage in the area. Reports had earlier highlighted the invasion of Igbomotoru 1 & 2 communities by the military in search of the culprits behind the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. Allegedly, Nigerian Army troops resorted to raiding the community, resulting in the destruction of homes and the alleged loss of innocent lives. Following the retaliatory attack by the Military, the community has been grappling with fear, starvation, and suffering as their daily activities were di...
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The Europa League semi-final matchups are set
19Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

The Europa League semi-final matchups are set

The Europa League semi-final fixtures have been officially confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final second legs. One of the semi-final clashes will see Bayer Leverkusen take on Roma. Bayer Leverkusen, who were recently crowned Bundesliga champions, settled for a 1-1 draw against West Ham, advancing with a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg. On the other hand, Roma defeated AC Milan 2-1 in their home game, having also won the first leg 1-0 at the San Siro. The second semi-final will feature Atalanta against Marseille. Atalanta secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score despite a 0-1 loss to Liverpool. Marseille, on the other hand, progressed to the next round after a penalty shoot-out victory against Benfica, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1. ...
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19Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Nineteen-year-old arrested for alleged rape of a minor by Kwara NSCDC

An arrest has been made by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC. The suspect, a 19-year-old boy named Jamiu Akande, is accused of raping a 9-year-old girl in Pakata Area, Ilorin, the capital city of the state. Reportedly, the case was brought to light on the evening of April 16, 2024, at around 20:30hrs. The report was filed to the gender unit of the command by Alhaja Yusuf Mariam Joke, the Director of Child Ministry of Women Affairs, in response to a distress call from Babareke House, Ipata Oloje Area in Ilorin, as confirmed by the command's spokesperson, Ayoola Michael Shola. After receiving the report, the command acted promptly and was able to apprehend the suspect with diligent efforts from its officers. Investigations indicate that the...
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Jurgen Klopp’s Reaction to Atalanta Knocking Liverpool Out of Europa League
19Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Jurgen Klopp’s Reaction to Atalanta Knocking Liverpool Out of Europa League

Despite being knocked out of the Europa League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed admiration for his players' performance. Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo but ultimately lost the tie with a 3-1 aggregate score. Even though the Reds had control for a significant portion of the game, they could not find additional goals after Mohamed Salah's early penalty. Looking ahead, Klopp stated that the team will now shift their focus to the Premier League, where they currently sit in third place, trailing leaders Manchester City by two points. "We faced a significant challenge due to our own doing. Tonight's performance showcased the remarkable drive and determination of the players, which I found truly incredible," Klopp commented. "There were moments where w...
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Nigerian government keeps former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello under surveillance
19Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Nigerian government keeps former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello under surveillance

Recent reports confirm that the immediate-past governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, has been placed on the watchlist by the Federal Government. Security agencies have been duly informed, with specific orders given to the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to apprehend him should he attempt to enter or exit the country. This directive was issued by the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, through an official memorandum. The memorandum was dispatched to the Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA. Signed by ACI DS Umar, the memo contained detailed information about Bello's international passport. Part of the message read: “I have been mandated t...
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Champions League Spots Confirmed for Serie A, EPL in Jeopardy
19Apr By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Champions League Spots Confirmed for Serie A, EPL in Jeopardy

Securing one of the additional places for performances in this season's European competitions, Serie A will boast a total of five slots in the upcoming Champions League. UEFA will grant extra spots to two leagues as part of the European Performance Spots initiative. This decision is a result of the restructuring to transform the Champions League into a 36-team tournament. Italy clinched its place in the top two, with three of its clubs advancing to the semi-finals, while the Premier League saw four of its five remaining clubs eliminated in the quarter-final stage. Although no Italian team made it to the Champions League quarter-finals, the league's high coefficient score, due to AS Roma and Atalanta's Europa League semi-final berths, and Fiorentina's presence in the Europa Conference L...
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Grandma arrested for imprisoning three infants
19Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
Headlines

Grandma arrested for imprisoning three infants

In Lagos State, a grandmother named Fatimo Ganiyu has been taken into police custody for allegedly locking up three infants in the Ikotun area. According to reports from PUNCH Metro, the arrest of the suspect occurred on Wednesday around 4:00 p.m. A video clip shared by a resident depicted the male and female infants struggling in a malnourished state as they attempted to escape from the house. Speaking to PUNCH Metro on Thursday, a resident identified as Pelumi disclosed that the children had been confined without food or water for days. Pelumi expressed, “The children were left unattended for an extended period, enduring days without sustenance. Some suggest this neglect has endured for months, while others claim it's been weeks.” An undisclosed police so...
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Tompolo Takes the Lead at 2024 Amaseikumor Festival Grand Finale Alongside Ooni
19Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
Headlines

Tompolo Takes the Lead at 2024 Amaseikumor Festival Grand Finale Alongside Ooni

The 2024 Amaseikumor Annual Festival concluded with great joy and significance as former militant leader in the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, famously known as Tompolo, captivated the audience in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. Tompolo, a respected traditionalist and chief priest of the Egbesu deity, revered as the god of war in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, was at the center of attention. The festival, which spanned a week, featured a variety of cultural activities including football, boat regatta, Ijaw cultural dance competition, wrestling, and live music, culminating in a grand civic reception and traditional ceremonies led by Tompolo, the Egbesu Chi...
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The Nigerian Army Conducts Extended Weapon Handling Contest in Niger Delta
19Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
Headlines

The Nigerian Army Conducts Extended Weapon Handling Contest in Niger Delta

In the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Army has launched a week-long weapon handling competition involving soldiers at the rank of corporal and below, specifically selected from the 6 Division. The aim of the competition, as learned by South-South PUNCH, is to enhance their endurance and readiness for forthcoming duties. The competition encompasses various activities such as disassembling and assembling rifles, marksmanship, physical fitness tests, obstacle courses, map reading drills, combat swimming, and a drill competition, among others. Participants from 2 Brigade, 16 Brigade, 63 Brigade, and the 6 Division Garrison are competing in this five-day event hosted at the 3 Battalion Parade Ground in Effurun, Delta State. ...
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Russell Martin, Southampton’s Manager, Praises Aribo’s Performance
19Apr By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
Headlines

Russell Martin, Southampton’s Manager, Praises Aribo’s Performance

The manager of Southampton, Russell Martin, has commended Joe Aribo for his recent displays in the English Championship division as they aim to secure promotion to the Premier League, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra. Aribo has been delivering consistent performances for the Saints, who are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak and sit in fourth place in the English second-tier, trailing Leeds United by three points with a game in hand. The Nigerian international shone in their 2-1 victory against Coventry, contributing to both goals, and featured for the full 90 minutes in their 3-2 triumph over Watford. He also stood out by completing the most passes in their 3-0 win over Preston, aiding Southampton's push towards automatic promotion places...
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