NEWS

Seven people have been injured after a two-storey building under construction collapsed in Abuja. The building, situated in Jikwoyi, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), collapsed at about 11:00am on Friday, April 3. Construction workers who were on site at the time of the collapse were said to be among those injured. According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, rescue operations were immediately activated to ensure that no victims remained trapped beneath the rubble. FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team reported that 17 workers were on the upper floor of the building when it gave way. Five of the workers sustained injuries, while a male at the ground level ...

On Saturday morning, April 3, the Cuban government announced plans to free 2,010 prisoners, describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture” amid growing pressure from the United States. The Cuban Embassy in the US shared the announcement on social media, framing the decision as part of Holy Week observances rather than explicitly linking it to tensions with Washington. Authorities said the release would include foreign nationals, Cuban citizens living abroad, young people, women, and older adults. The decision was reportedly based on factors such as good behavior, time already served, the nature of the offenses, and the health conditions of the inmates. No timeline was provided for the release, and officials did not specify the crimes committed by those affected. It remains unclea...

All Catholic masses in Dubai have been put on hold due to rising security concerns linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East, with church authorities citing the safety of parishioners as the primary reason. St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali announced that all services are cancelled until further notice, in line with government directives. The area has reportedly been affected by missile and drone activity connected to the ongoing conflict. Church officials have advised parishioners to avoid visiting church premises, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety and community wellbeing. Similarly, St. Mary’s Catholic Church confirmed the suspension of its services, noting that the Good Friday mass will be streamed online to allow worshippers to participate remotely. The ...

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has hit out at ex-governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, over his recent remarks on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. He accused Obi of diminishing the sacrifices of activists who opposed military rule. Obi had, in a statement reacting to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) derecognition of leadership figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), implied that former dictator, late General Sani Abacha was a democrat despite the many cases of human right abuse recorded under his regime. He had said: “General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed rev...

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has raised alarm over an alleged plan by certain political actors to sponsor protests aimed at destabilising his administration. In a statement issued on Friday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor disclosed that intelligence reports suggest efforts are underway to mobilise miscreants from Aba and nearby states for a protest reportedly tagged “Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop.” Ekeoma described the planned demonstration as a deliberate attempt to spread misleading claims that projects being executed by the state government are funded by the Federal Government. He maintained that the administration had previously clarified that federal reimbursements for such projects had been discontinued. The government a...

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has stepped down from her role in the Federal Government. She announced her resignation on Friday via her official account on X, describing the move as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in her public service journey. In her message, Onyejeocha expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in his administration. She also thanked ministry staff, supporters, and Nigerians for their backing during her tenure, reaffirming her commitment to national development. She noted that her resignation marks a new phase, emphasizing her continued dedication to service and progress in Nigeria. Her decision follows a directive from the President instructing political appoi...

Donald Trump is reportedly considering further changes to his administration following the dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi, as tensions grow within his top team. According to reports, the president has expressed frustration with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, with one administration official saying he is “very angry” and could make additional personnel changes. Other senior figures, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, have also been linked to potential departures, although no final decisions have been confirmed. The possible reshuffle comes amid wider upheaval within the US military leadership. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently removed several senior figures, including General Randy Geo...

Austria has refused to grant American fighter jets permission to pass through its airspace for military operations targeting Iran, citing its long-standing policy of neutrality. The country’s defence ministry confirmed that the United States will not be allowed to use Austrian airspace for missions connected to the ongoing conflict. Under its neutrality laws, Austria is barred from joining military alliances such as NATO or supporting foreign military campaigns, including granting access for offensive operations. Officials disclosed that multiple requests have been made by the US, but each will be assessed individually in collaboration with the foreign ministry. The stance reflects increasing caution among some European nations regarding deeper involvement in the conflict. Dome...

A man identified as Nuhu Bakanike, has d!ed after his son allegedly set him on fire in Kazaure, Jigawa State. The shocking incident which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 1, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to reports, the suspect, identified as Kabiru, allegedly poured petrol on his father and ignited it using matches.  The victim sustained serious burns from the attack and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he later d!ed while receiving medical treatment.  Meanwhile, the suspect has been arrested for further investigation. 

Iran has reportedly placed a bounty on American pilots following claims that it shot down a US fighter jet, a move that has further escalated tensions in the Middle East. State-linked Iranian media released images purportedly showing the wreckage of the aircraft, alleging that a pilot ejected over Iranian territory. Authorities in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province have urged residents to hand over any captured US pilots to security agencies in exchange for a reward. State television also confirmed that financial incentives are being offered for information leading to the capture of the pilots. However, officials in the United States have not verified the claim, and the Pentagon has yet to issue an official response. Past Iranian claims of downed aircraft have frequently been dispu...