News
Nigerian Air Force Launches Investigation into Airstrike Casualties in Sokoto.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the initiation of a comprehensive investigation following a tragic airstrike that resulted in the deaths of ten civilians in two villages within the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a fighter jet mistakenly targeted these communities while purportedly aiming at Lakurawa terrorists operating in the vicinity.
Reports from local residents indicate that not only were lives lost, but animals were also killed and homes destroyed due to the impact of the airstrikes. Eyewitnesses allege that the military’s aerial assaults inadvertently affected innocent civilians as the operatives were attempting to engage terrorist elements.
In an official statement released by the joint media coordinator for the military operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, it was affirmed that the airstrikes were directed at locations identified as strongholds of the Lakurawa terrorist group. Despite this assurance, concerns regarding civilian casualties have prompted a commitment to rigorous scrutiny of the events surrounding the airstrikes.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, the spokesperson for the NAF, emphasized that the military action was executed based on credible intelligence acquired from multiple sources, coupled with confirmatory aerial surveillance. However, he acknowledged the gravity of the civilian harm reports and pledged a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts of the matter.
“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” Akinboyewa stated.
This unfortunate incident underscores the ongoing complexities faced by military forces in conflict zones, where the balance between operational objectives and civilian safety remains crucial. The NAF’s commitment to transparency in its investigative process will be closely monitored by both the public and relevant human rights organizations.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
A Special Birthday Tribute to Mrs. Linda Aronu C.
A Special Birthday Message to Dike Christopher Nnamdi.
