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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Wary Of Difficult Cranes Of Uganda In Last Group Match

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Though the Super Eagles has already booked a spot in the Round of 16 of the ongoing African Cup of Nations Championship, AFCON, in Morocco with their 2-1, and 3-2 triumph over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia respectively, but the team is wary of the threat its East African opponent poses.

The rivalry between the Super Eagles and the Cranes started since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final duel in Kumasi, Ghana, 47 years ago.

Today’s match is a must win for the Ugandans who need the victory to stand any chance of enjoying the cold climate of Morocco beyond Tuesday evening, while the Super Eagles, already qualified for the Round of 16 no matter the tremor anywhere on the park, need a draw simply to assure top-table finish in Group C.

Veteran Uganda goal-tender, Denis Onyango and team-mates have themselves to blame for being stuck on one point to the final day of the group phase.

After the expected manhandling by Tunisia, and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigeria-descent Uche Ikpeazu rose from the bench to give them an equalizer against the Taifa Stars.

The game fell into their hands to pick up the three points, but Allan Okelo blasted the ball away from goal from a penalty kick.

The only route left for them is to put a sword through the Eagles. With the Nigerians intent on sustaining a winning mentality, determined to maintain their great form and put fear into the hearts of other possible contenders for the trophy, that is unlikely to happen.

Nigeria’s prolific goalscorer, Victor Osimhen has netted only once in this tournament, but the man who succeeded him as Africa Player of the Year (and who teamed up with him to create a Super Eagles’ terror attack at the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire), Ademola Lookman, has again opted to take Africa’s biggest football championship by storm.

Lookman has netted two goals this term (adding to his three from the 2023 finals), and has made two assists (adding to one from last term). He looks like a man-on-a-mission. His goals have been unstoppable left-footed missiles.

Another big hurdle for the Cranes, is how to deal with is that Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, is committed to presenting himself a special birthday gift, having turned 27 on Monday.

In addition, Nigeria’s midfield has come into its own, with Wilfred Ndidi playing a true captain’s game in the Eagles’ first two matches, and Alex Iwobi simply magnificent. Frank Onyeka reminded all of his abilities when he starred against the Tunisians, and there are still Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi yet to be tested.

Nigeria is the country with the most appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds in history, having done so here for the 19th time, and the victory over Tunisia was the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the history of the competition.

Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games – defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after they already qualified for the Round of 16.

Uganda will look to the history of contests between both nations and be hopeful.

In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have lost only twice, winning four times, with the other two games ending in a draw. Five of the matches have been competitive, and Ugandans cannot forget how their star forward Philip Omondi scored the winner to ensure a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have won two of the three international friendly matches, with the other ending in a draw.

Uganda have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage only twice previously, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.

Ikpeazu will probably start as Belgian tactician, Paul Put throws his aces up from the get-go. There are also James Bogere, who earned the Cranes a second penalty against Tanzania, Okello and Denis Omedi, who scored against Tunisia and assisted the equalizer against Tanzania on Sunday.

Nigeria, now on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal, and more, when the game commences at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5pm on Tuesday.

At his pre-match press briefing on Monday, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”

Captain Ndidi: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is one the next game.

SUPER EAGLES, CRANES IN HISTORY

14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi)

26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos)

29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos)

17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)

24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta)

02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)

25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo)

20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)

Ondo: Amotekun Nabs Suspected 39 Fleeing Bandits

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Amotekun Arrested Fleeing Bandits

By Ayodele Oni

Following recent Airstrike launched on terrorists and bandits in parts of the country by the United States, Ondo state security network agency, codenamed Amotekun corps has announced the arrest of  39 suspects allegedly escaping from the Northern parts of the state.

Similarly, the Corps also apprehended 61 other suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, car snatchers and illegal anti-open grazing offenders during the festive period.

The State Commander of the security corps, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed this in Akure on Tuesday, while parading over 100 suspects before newsmen who were nabbed in different parts of Ondo state.

Adeleye explained that the 39 suspected bandits, who were arrested at Elegbeka forest in Ose loca government area were still being profiling for possible prosecution or repatriate to Sokoto state.

“You will recall that there is this black spot where so many criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping, had been taking place, which is Elegbeka Axis (Ose LGA). As a result of the criminal activities around there, Amotekun Corps has a Control Post domiciled in the forest of Elegbeka

“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested, all together, claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they are relocating into the forest.

“We are still profiling them, and after the profiling, we may have to send them back, but those found with incriminating weapons and materials will surely be prosecuted.”

The Amotekun Commander insisted anybody going into the state forest reserves must take the government’s permit, saying that “the government has made its position known.

“For you to stay in our forest areas, you must obtain permits. So, the sudden influx of this element poses a lot of questions that we are still working on.

“Across the 18 local governments of the state. We arrested about 100 suspects, out of which 61 are on parade today, 50 of them engaged in breaking of law and order, two on anti-open grazing ,  six on kidnapping related cases, and three on abuse of gender and rape.

“I look at this as a concerted effort by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, to rid Ondo State of criminal elements.

“We equally want to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for giving us an enabling environment to thrive. We thank all other security agencies in the state, the police, the civil defence, the Army, the DSS, the vigilantes, and the public generally for the support we received from them.

“Coming to specific, around Ofosu, near Odigbo area, we had a 34-year-old Mustafa and a 45-year-old Philip arrested for kidnapping at the scene. We equally have in Isua Akoko axis , one Idris, 18; Ibrahim Abdullahi, 20, Lawal Idris, 23.

“On rape and assault on Amateur Corps officers, we have a 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, a 33-year-old Usman, and one Bejide, 41, for raping at Isinkan.

“On armed robbery, we arrested a 30 year-old Ola Tunbosun, Ibrahim, and Shaibu at the shore of Akure North, of Oba Akoko, and Oba Ile also in Akure North,” Adeleye revealed.

Fmr AGF, Malami, Son, Wife Remanded At Kuje Prison

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Abubakar Malami in Court
Abubakar Malami

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic, Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has secured a detention order for a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son and one of his wives.

They are to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

The order was issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, where they were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Malami’s son, Abubakar, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, are co-defendants a n 16-count money laundering charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The order followed arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the charge, the EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.

The Commission further alleged that the offences, which span several years, involved the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.

The EFCC also claimed that some of the alleged offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Minimum Wage: Workers Of Nasarawa Owned Higher Institutions Begin Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa

By Ayodele Oni

Due to the failure of Nasarawa state Government to comply with the mutually agreed full implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, the Joint Unions of the State Tertiary Institutions, (JUNSTI), have instructed members to proceed on an indefinite strike action.

Chairman of JUNSTI, Samson Kale Gbande, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Lafia, the state capital, shortly after a meeting with union leaders of the three institutions comprising the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic Lafia, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia and College of Education, Akwanga.

Gbande noted that the state government has not been able to meet the agreements reached after several meetings and negotiations on the minimum wage, so the union decided to embark on an indefinite strike.

According to him, JUNSTI regrets the failure of the government to implement the new salary structure from November 2025, insisting that the union is firm and resolute in its decision for the betterment of its members.

“It will be recalled that the union had engaged the Nasarawa State Government severally on this matter through meetings held at the office of the Deputy Governor on 6th August 2025, 23rd October 2025, 3rd December 2025 and 15th December 2025.

“During these engagements, repeated assurances were given that the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage would take effect from November 2025.

“Regrettably, despite the union’s patience for over a year, these assurances have not translated into action,” Gbande narrated.

He maintained that the previously declared strike action announced on the eve of Christmas by the union was reaffirmed during the meeting, and called on the members to remain calm as “no stone would be left unturned until the legitimate demands of members of the union are met.”

The JUNSTI Chairman expressed deep concerns over the continued delay by the government to take action on the salary structure, noting that the failure to implement mutually agreed decisions contributes significantly to the productivity of the government workforce and stability in the education sector.

The union appreciated the cooperation of its members throughout the struggle for better welfare, assuring that their patience would yield expected results soon.

What Tinubu Told Anthony Joshua After Tragic Fatal Crash

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Anthony Joshua in a fatal Accident

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday sympathize with the family of Nigeria born British Boxer, Anthony Joshua over the ill fated Monday accident that claimed the lives of his two friends and associates.

The President in a post on his Social Media Handle said  he placed a call to the former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion  to commiserate with him and his family.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.

“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”

Earlier, in a statement on X, President Tinubu—who is currently abroad—expressed profound sympathy for the boxer over the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

“I Sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.

“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.

“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

Kogi Central: Bello Ready To Clash With Natasha; Declares Interest

By
James Orji
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Yahaya Bello
Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state is set to clash with his arch rival, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the 2027 Senatorial election in the state.
The former governor expressed his interest to clash with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan who is currently representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, during his visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Bello also used the occasion to intimate traditional and religious leaders of his intention to run for the senate in the District.
His declaration, close watchers of politics in the state said has confirmed his rumoured ambition to stage a comeback to politics after leaving office two years ago.
He will be contesting with a long time political rival, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan who once accused him and Nigerian Senate President of plotting to kill her.
While declaring his intention to run for Senator representing Kogi Central on Tuesday, the former governor said he bowed to his people pressure on him to represent them at the upper chamber if the National Assembly.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello  said while addressing the gathering.
Meanwhile, some social media users are not taken his declaration for granted, urging him to clear his corruption case with the EFCC before proceeding with his senate ambition.
The former governor, the magazine reports, has been dragged to court by the anti graft agency for allegedly stealing over N80 billion during his eight -year tenure as the state helmsman.
Not a few insist that his corruption case with the EFCC will affect his chances against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is seen to be very popular among the people of the state, particularly the Senatorial District where she widely believed to have performed, and respected by her constituents.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan has in March this year accused the former governor of trying to kill her, saying the Senate President, God’s will Akpabio ordered him to do so.
The Senator made the allegation following her clash with Akpabio on the floor of the Senate over seating arrangements.
She was later suspended for six months, and has since returned to her position following the expiration of the suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had claimed that the alleged plot to kill her was arrived at after the plot to recall her from the Senate, with the governor of the state, Usman Dodo, in tow, failed to yield results. Governor Ododo is a close ally of Bello.
She alleged: “Let me say this now. On the 14th of March at 10:30 p.m.—mind you, two days before that, on the 12th—Akpabio spoke to Governor Ododo to recall me. But he told him it would be impossible because the masses are with her, the people are with her. But Akpabio was not satisfied.
“The second thing he told him was that he should try and kill me. I didn’t make this public, but I wrote to the IG of Police. And Akpabio told Yahaya Bello—I am standing on what I’ve said. He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, that it should be done here so it will seem as if it’s the people that killed me here,” she alle

Akume’s Wife Sends Him Cryptic Message After Marriage To Ooni Ex-Wife

By
James Orji
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George Akume and Zaynab Ngohemba
Mrs Regina Akume, wife of Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, appears not happy with his marriage to Zaynab Ngohemba-George, Ooni of Ife ex-wife.
 
Apart from the SGF who got married to a new wife last weekend, the family also celebrated the wedding of their son, in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
 
It was during their son’s wedding ceremony that Mrs Akume made the remarks on Sunday.
 
Akume’s Wife, a member of the House of Representatives, representing has sent him a Cryptic Message expressing her satisfaction over the SGF decision to marry a new wife.
 
According to her, the SGF appears to have veered from his Christian faith, through which he rose to the top of his political career, urging him to come back to Christ in other to remain on top.
 
Mrs Akume: “I pray that the Lord will increase his years, good health of mind and body, and give him clarity in thinking and doing things right.
 
“And he should remember that he is a Christian, and it is Christianity that brought him this far. To drop Christianity now and go for anything else, he will not be successful.
 
 
“So my advice to him is to come back to Christianity and follow the line of Christ. We came all the way to the office of SGF, not through enemies but through Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ is still alive and still working for us. I wish that he would come back to Christianity.”
 
Akume’s wedding, the magazine reports, was attended by top Nigerian government officials, including Vice President Kasshim Shettina, Governor Hyacinth Alia.
 
 

In Rivers State, PDP And APC Are One United Family – Wike Declares

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Those waiting for  Nyesom Wike ,the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, to formally announce his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  to the rival All Progressive Congress , APC, will wait till eternity.

Reason? The former Governor of Rivers State has said that in the State’s political landscape ,there are no differences between the APC and PDP.

According to him, members of the two  parties have since jettisoned partisan differences to morph into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing party leaders, supporters and loyalists from Etche and Omuma Local Councils of the State on Monday, December 29, 2025, the self-acclaimed strong man of Rivers State politics urged them to think more as members of the same family irrespective of which of the two parties-APC and PDP they belong to.

” In Rivers State, APC and PDP have already collapsed into one family- the Renewed Hope Family.

” I don’t want to hear again “I am PDP or I am APC. What I want to hear is that you are working together.

“All of us are members of the Renewed Hope Agenda . It is one family. The understanding and unity between members of the two parties are derived from our shared values, mutual respect and the desire to deliver dividends of democracy to our people.

“We are not here for any rally. We are here to appreciate you for the support you have been given to us over the years.We are not ungrateful people”,Wike stated.

While urging the people to remain united and focused, the FCT Minister reinstated his earlier refrain on the need for political actors to always respect terms of agreement reached.

Turning to the Chairmen of the two Local Councils, Wike appealed to them to always respect agreements in all their endeavours in life.

” Agreement is agreement. When you agree with people, you must keep it. You just have to honour every commitment entered into in the overall interest of peace.

Curiously, Wike’s position on the unity of purpose between the PDP and APC,vis coming at a time he has continued to blame everybody, except himself for the crisis of confidence tearing the PDP apart ..

Anthony Joshua: Ogun State Govt. Confirms Death Of Two Foreign Nationals

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Anthony Joshua in a fatal Accident

By Akinwale Kasali

The Ogun State Government has confirmed that two of the victims who died in the road accident involving  world heavyweight boxing champion, were foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the State Government expressed condolences to the families, friends and associates of the deceased.

Providing additional details, Akinmade said, “The fatal accident occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State, and sadly claimed the lives of two persons.

“Anthony Joshua and three other individuals were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu at the time of the incident.

“Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.”

The statement further noted that Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“The sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants was said to have rammed into a stationary truck along the expressway.

“While the severely damaged vehicle has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office, efforts are ongoing to tow the truck involved to the same location to facilitate a comprehensive investigation,” it added.

Describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful,” the state government said the loss of lives was devastating, even as other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were receiving medical care.

The government urged motorists to exercise caution and comply strictly with traffic regulations, particularly during the festive season when traffic volume is usually high.

It also called on road safety officers and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement across the state.

“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident,” the statement added, while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the speedy recovery of those injured”.

Anthony Joshua Escapes Death In Fatal Car Crash, Rushed To Hospital, His Two Foreign Associates Killed

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Anthony Joshua in Road Accident

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria born British Boxer, Anthony Joshua miraculously escaped death in a fatal car crash which sadly killed two of his very close foreign associates.

They had come back to Nigeria with him to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays which he occasionally spends in his Sagamu, Ogun State Community.

They were five in number in a lexus when the vehicle was involved in the fatal car accident on the busy Lagos- Ibadan Expressway. While Joshua with injuries, two escaped unhurt, and two died on the spot.

The accident occured on Monday in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

The vehicle carrying the pugilist collided with a stationery vehicle due to what the Ogun State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps said was due to over-speeding and wrong overtaking.

Joshua was rushed to the hospital according to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi.

In a statement, Oluseyi said: “The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital.

“Further updates will be communicated.”

In another statement, Oluseyi assured the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.

He also extended the command ’heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The statement read, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms that world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident today, Monday, December 29, 2025, at about 11:00 am, in Makun, Ogun State.

“The incident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.

“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated. He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and receiving medical attention.

“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.”

“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced. Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.”

Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around past 11am on Monday.

The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Adeniyi Orojo, a Punch Newspaper Staff who witnessed the accident said, “It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.

“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” he said.

TRACE Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde is yet to give details about the unfortunate incident.

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