NEWS

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, March 8, called for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” would cease as the war triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.Speaking after the Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff said the developments in the region continue to cause deep concern and sorrow.He said the ongoing violence, destruction, and rising climate of hatred and fear are increasing worries that the conflict could expand and draw in more countries.The pope warned that the crisis could also threaten the stability of neighboring nations, including Lebanon, which he described as a beloved country that risks once again falling into instability.His appeal came as tensions across the region remain high. Iran i...

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the k!lling of his father, Ali Khamenei. The decision was announced on Sunday, March 8, by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible under Iran’s constitution for selecting the country’s supreme leader. In a statement circulated by state media, the Assembly said Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen after what it described as a “decisive vote.” It called on citizens to remain united and support the new leader.  The statement urged Iranians, “especially the elites and intellectuals of the seminaries and universities,” to pledge allegiance to the leadership and help preserve national unity. The appointment comes days after the k!lling of Ali Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989.  He was r...

Israel has reportedly eliminated the recently appointed head of Iran’s Supreme Leader’s military office in Tehran.According to a statement from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Abu al‑Qassem Baba’iyan, who had just been assigned to oversee the Supreme Leader’s military bureau and emergency command operations, was killed in the strike on Sunday.The IDF stated that Baba’iyan played a central role in coordinating between Iran’s military and other regime institutions involved in planning operations against Israel.His appointment followed the death of his predecessor in earlier strikes, highlighting ongoing pressure on Tehran’s military leadership.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and senior military officials were briefed on the operation, which is part of a broader campaign...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has warned that any individual who becomes the next Supreme Leader of Iran without his approval would not remain in power for long.Speaking in an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Trump said the United States intends to ensure that Iran’s future leadership does not pose a lasting nuclear threat.According to the US president, his administration is seeking a permanent solution to concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump said.“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long. We want to make sure we don’t have to revisit this issue every 10 years, especially when there may not be a president like me willing to confront it.“I don’t want people to return...

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the confirmation of appointments for 1,659 employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.According to the statement, the decision followed a confirmation examination conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission on February 28, 2026.A total of 2,281 workers participated in the exercise after being invited to sit for the test. However, the chairman of the commission, Emeka Ezeh, revealed that 2,512 staff members had originally been asked to attend the confirmation process.Out of the number invited, only 2,281 showed up for the examinati...

An abandoned baby boy has been rescued alive in Mararaba Udege, Nasarawa State. It was gathered that the baby was found dumped behind Main Market on Friday, 6th March 2026. The child was taken to Mararaba Police Station and the local government.Police News UpdatesAccording to reports, police handed the baby over to a woman named Miss Esther in Anguwan Durunwa, Mararaba Town, to care for him while investigation continues.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anthony Placid, as the new Force Public Relations Officer (PRO).Placid will replace Benjamin Hundeyin in the role.This was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Hundeyin, who signed as the outgoing spokesperson at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.According to the statement, Placid is a seasoned police officer with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training and international peacekeeping.Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.Placid holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo and a Master of Arts in Law...