Pope Francis Has died At The Age Of 88

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April 21, 2025

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.

The pontiff, who was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

“At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Recent hospital visits

In recent years, his papacy had been marked by several hospital visits and concerns about his health.

On 14 February, the Pope was admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment.

In the days that followed, the Vatican said he had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and that he had blood transfusions after tests revealed he had low levels of platelets in his blood, which is associated with anaemia.

On 22 February, it said the Pope was in a critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high flow of oxygen, and the next day the Vatican said Francis was showing an “initial, mild” kidney failure.

In the following days, thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, as others went to the Rome hospital where he was staying to leave flowers and cards.

He remained in hospital for the rest of the month, with doctors saying that his condition remained “complex”.

On 6 March, his voice was heard for the first time since being admitted to hospital in an audio message, in which he thanked well-wishers, before adding: “I am with you from here.”

On Sunday, he greeted crowds at the Easter Sunday Service, a day after meeting US vice president JD Vance.

His 38-day hospital stay ended on 23 March when he made his first public appearance in five weeks on a balcony at Gemelli where he smiled and gave a thumbs up to the crowds gathered outside.

He returned to the Vatican, making a surprise stop at his favourite basilica on the way home, before beginning two months of prescribed rest and recovery.

Reuters

“Odili, Most Influential In My Life After My Father” – Rotimi Amaechi

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 21, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Transportation Minister under the President Muhammadu Buhari, Rotimi Amaechi, has described former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, as the most influential person in his life after his own biological father.

In an interview with The Sun, Amaechi acknowledged the important role Dr. Odili played in his life, and said it is the reason why not matter what happens, nobody would hear him insult Odili.

Amaechi’s admittance of Odili’s role in his life, and why he would never insult him come on the heels of what not a few people regard as the condescending shades thrown at Odili and his wife, the Honourable Justice Mary Odili, JSC, rtd, by Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, who once confessed, publicly, to the role played by the Odilis in his life and political ascension.

Expressing his deep appreciation of the role Dr. Odili played in his life, Amaechi recalled Odili’s his formative years, insisting that he would never criticize Odili no matter the situation.

He recalled how because of financial difficulties, he was not able to bury his own father when he passed, and revealed that it was Odili who helped him bury his father. He said he would never forget Odili’s profound impact Odili on his personal and professional life, and would remain appreciative.

Amaechi: “Dr. Odili was one. In my growing up, he had a huge role to play. You see, that is why no matter what they do to me, I won’t talk about Dr. Odili, and I would never insult him. Never! Never!! He had a huge influence in my life. He contributed quite a lot. He even helped me bury my dad when he died.”

For the records, as the newly sworn-in Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi hauled Odili before the Justice Kayode Eso- headed Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an action roundly condemned by not a few people who considered Odili as Amaechi’s father. To the Odilis at some point, Amaechi was their “first son”.

How Popular Gospel Musician, ‘Big Bolaji’ Died

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 20, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

It was a ‘Black Easter’ for the Nigerian Gospel Music Industry following the death of Popular Gospel Musician, Bolaji Olarewaju, popular as Big Bolaji.

The death of the famous and energetic Singer was confirmed by his family in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, Big Bolaji passed on following a brief illness.

Part of the statement read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the Church community, an ordained Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and a giant in the music industry and our community.

“Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.”

The family added that details of his funeral will be shared in due course.

Big Bolaji only recently celebrated his 50th birthday.

The deceased who is also a Radio Talk Show Host began his Musical Ministry with the group J’apha. Z.

He would be missed by the RCCG Family, his families, Colleagues, Friends and Fans.

Father, Son, Two Others Die While On Routine Maintenance At Water Treatment Plant

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 20, 2025

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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Father and son were among four employees of the Bauchi State Urban Water Supply who tragically lost their lives on Sunday April 20, 2025, while on a routine maintenance duty.

According to a source close to the Agency, the victims drowned in the water treatment plant of the Gubi Dam which supplies water to the Bauchi metropolis ,while on a routine cleaning exercise.

“It happened that they were cleaning the water system where the water being supplied to Bauchi metropolis is treated.

“We learnt that as they were cleaning the reservoir as usual they saw some fish inside, one of them was trying to catch the fish, but the fish continued to descend deeper into the system.

“As he was insistence on catching the fish, he got drowned in the process.

“Tragically, one of his colleagues who attempted to rescue him also got drowned himself.

“It was in the face of this unfortunate development that the third and fourth persons who also tried to save their colleagues equally got drowned”, one of the staff members volunteered.

The source also gave the names of the victims as Jamilu Yunusa ,Ibrahim Musa ,Shu’aibu Hamza and Abdulmalik Ibrahim Jamza

According to him, “the four victims, have been buried today( Sunday ) according to Islamic rights.”

Two of the victims were said to be permanent staff of the water agency while two are casual workers.

As at the time of reporting ,neither the Bauchi State Government through the Water Agency, nor the Police had reacted to the development.

However, our source disclosed that the State Commissioner for Water Resources Nuhu Zaki, and some staff of the agency including its General Manager were part of the sympathizers who witnessed the burial ceremonies of the deceased.

2027: After Leaving Tinubu’s Govt In Anger, Baba-Ahmed Says North Will Decide President’s Fate Soon

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 20, 2025

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A chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, says the North will soon decide whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be returned to office in 2027.

The former ACF spokesman made the remark on Sunday during an interview.

Baba-Ahmed had just resigned from the government as Political Adviser to the President, in the office of the Vice President.

His exit has raised suggestion that he’s no longer happy with the Tinubu’s administration which he had trenchantly criticised in the past before his appointment last year.

Other analysts insist that he left the government to join other “political forces” from the north to continue to put pressure on the administration ahead the next election.

The former Political Adviser to the President, in his latest attack on the administration said northerners have been marginalised by the administration and will soon say “enough is enough”, adding that no politician can become president without support for the region.

According to him, the region will take advantage of it’s population to decide, in the next presidential election, whether Tinubu will be returned to power.

Baba-Ahmed spoke as dusts continue to gather against President Tinubu from the region, as key political and religious leaders continue to mount pressure on his government.

Some top political leaders have openly declared that the president will not get their support in the next presidential election.

They cited worsening insecurity and economic problems ravaging the region as their reason, accusing the president of abandoning the region after the massive support they gave him during the 2033 presidential election.

He said the administration has failed to tackle the myriad of problems facing the north, apart from the injustice that have been meted out to its people, adding that the “injustice and sidelining must stop.”

Baba-Ahmed however Warns that “If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria.

Adding that “No politician can become president without northern support, making the region’s stance crucial to any aspirant’s success.

“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he noted.

Ten Rescued As Police Foil Kidnap Attack On Katsina Travelers

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 20, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, has lauded the gallantry, proactiveness and professionalism exhibited by officers of Faskari Divisional formation in aborting the planned abduction of some travelers.

A statement on Sunday, April 20, 2025, from the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, DSP, informed that operatives acting on credible intelligence foiled a kidnap attack on travelers by suspected banditry elements along the ever busy Funtua/Gusau highway in Katsina.

No fewer than ten occupants of two targeted vehicles were rescued by operatives in the botched attack.

“At about 21:35hours on April 19, information was received at Faskari Police Division that some suspected armed bandits had laid an ambush at Marabar Bangori Village along Funtua-Gusau Road with the intent to kidnap occupants of two vehicles – a black Golf Saloon ( BWR 781 SW) and ash-coloured Golf, DTM 179 TA ) .

The vehicles were en route from Katsina to Faskari.

“Upon receiving the information, our patrol team attached to the Faskari Division mobilized and responded promptly to the scene, engaging the bandits in a gun battle.

“The bandits were overpowered, and fled into the nearby bush, abandoning their mission”, Sadiq stated.

According to the Police Spokesman, ten victims comprising two drivers and eight other occupants were rescued unhurt during the operation.

He assured that efforts are underway to track down the fleeing hoodlums, noting that further development from the investigation, will be made public in due course.

CP Shehu while reaffirming the commitment of the Command in collaboration with sister agencies towards tackling the security challenges in the State, also called for a robust synergy with the residents, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.

Kwara Police Confirm Abduction Of Seven Passengers Along Obbo Aiyegunle Road

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Ayodele Oni

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April 20, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of seven passengers travelling from Abuja to Kwara State on Saturday along Obbo-Ayegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of the State.

Three children of the abducted victims were, however, later released by the yet to be identified kidnappers, according to reports reaching newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday.

The abduction occurred between 17:00-18:00 hours, while the passengers were on board a Sienna vehicle owned by Olumoh Express transport company, heading to Offa from Abuja. All attempts made so far by the local vigilante to rescue the victims were unsuccessful.

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development.

He explained that “Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50XD, heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants including the driver.

“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives in collaboration with local vigilantes, responded swiftly to the scene.

“The vehicle was recovered to the nearest police formation. During a coordinated search of the surrounding bush, three children aged between two and 12 years were located and safely rescued.

“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information of her guardian who was contacted and the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives.”

The command said it has intensified efforts through discreet investigation, intelligence gathering and sustained bush combing to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reiterated the commitment of the command to the safety and protection of all residents, urging those with useful information to report through the established channels of the state police command.

Gen Danjuma To Nigerians: Take Up Arms, Defend Yourselves Against Bandits, Terrorists

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 20, 2025

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A former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), has called on Nigerians to arm themselves in defence against insurgency and banditry.

The former Defence Chief made the assertion on Saturday in Takum, Taraba state saying the government no longer has the capacity to defend the people.

The former minister made the remark following the recent killings, by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Plateau and Benue states.

The dastard killings have left over 200 person’s dead, homes razed, and thousands of people now displaced from their communities.

The government said it’s on top of the situation, but Danjuma disagrees saying the people could no longer depend on the authorities to protect that against the criminals. Defend yourself against them, the former minister said, adding that the murderous criminals should no longer be allowed to kill people in their homes.

He said communities must now take proactive steps and be a step ahead of the criminals because “it’s now clear that the government can no longer protest us.”

Danjuma who had in the past called on his people in Taraba state to defend themselves against bandits and insurgents said it’s unfortunate that his past warnings were not heeded.

According to him, “The warning I gave some years ago is still as valid today as it was then. Nigerians must rise and defend themselves.

“We cannot continue to sit and watch while bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs massacre our people unchecked.

“It is now very clear that the government alone cannot protect us. We must stand up and defend ourselves, our families, and our lands before these criminals overrun the entire country.”

Recall that the Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi had recently urged Nigerians to assist security agencies in protecting the country from armed groups, as the country is too large for them to provide security.

Declare Violent, Murderous Groups As Terrorists – Fmr Senate President Mark

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Ayodele Oni

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April 20, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Senate President, David Mark, has advised the Federal Government to declare violent and murderous groups operating in the country as terrorists and should be treated as such.

Mark, also, advised the Federal Government to be more proactive in its efforts to tackle the menace of violent crimes, kidnapping and armed herdsmen devastating parts of Nigeria.

This was contained in his goodwill message to commemorate this year’s Easter celebrations.

Mark bemoaned the continued violent crimes, especially in the North Central states of Plateau and Benue, that have claimed dozens of lives and properties.

“We must not shy away from the truth. If they are not terrorists, why are they killing people? Why are they destroying communities? Why are they chasing people away from their ancestral homes?

He decried the unending activities of armed herdsmen suspected to be behind killings and kidnappings stressing that “their activities are unacceptable and should not only be condemned, but be prohibited in entirety as nobody has the right to take anybody’s life.”

On the murderous attacks on several communities in Benue and Plateau States, the former Senate President called on the Federal Government to proscribe open grazing in all parts of the country and in place of open grazing, establish enclosed ranching, which is the best practices worldwide.

The former Senate President, whose Otukpo , Benue South country home has been under suspected herdsmen attacks appealed for more inclusive approach to tackle insecurity in all ramifications.

Mark also called for the establishment of a well-equipped Border Security Forces (BSF) to halt the influx of criminals into the country, pointing out that most of these suspected herders killing people took advantage of the porosity of borders to sneak into the country from neighbouring countries.

“We must not allow criminal elements to stream into our country. We must, therefore, change our strategy. Maybe, we can begin to think of fencing our borders like India, Israel, the United States and Mexico.”

When established, he said that the National Border Security Force (NBSF) would not only be saddled with the mandate of policing our porous borders, but would also have the mandate of fighting terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He commiserated with the people and governments of Benue and Plateau States and all those who lost their loved ones.

Fubara Travels Out, Sighted At Frankfurt, Germany

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 20, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is out of the country.

Fubara, suspended from office since March 18, along with his Deputy and Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was sighted at Franfurt Airport Germany. His destination was not known, however, but it is the first time Fubara would would travel out of the country since the political crisis in Rivers State, a fall-out of his sour relationship with his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike. Since his suspension from office, he has not been seen publicly in office as such.

His presence at Franfurt was announced by a fellow traveler, Bernard Izunna Obimma, who met him. Obimma was on his way to London when both met.

“I met with His Excellency, Governor Fubara, in the early hours of this morning at Franfurt Airport. He struck me as a remarkably gentle, modest, and humble man.

“During our brief conversation as we walked, I made it a point to remind him that he carries the mandate of the people of Rivers State – and that no force of the Nebuchadnezzar, however tyrannical, can override the will of the people.

“I assured him that many well- meaning Nigerians, myself included, stand firmly with him and reject his unlawful removal and the installation of an illegitimate Sole Administrator who governs outside the bounds of legality.”

In his Easter message, Fubara urged Rivers people to keep supporters the Government of President Bola Tinubu, and promised Rivers people of a better future.

He said: “I reiterate my unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers State.”