Hawk Daily News

FIFA are planning to launch another competition in 2024, where the UCL winner will play another continental tournament winner - decided by a play-off.

Credit | Sky Sports

Japa: London Mayor Urges Nigerians To Learn UK Traditions Before Travelling

A Nigerian-British Mayor of Southwark in London, Micheal Situ, has urged Nigerians coming into the United Kingdom, particularly youths and students, to be aware of the laws of the country before travelling.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission revealed this in a statement by the Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Gabriel Odu, on Sunday.

According to the statement, Mayor Situ stated this during an exclusive chat with the Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, when she paid a courtesy call to him in his office in Southwark, London.

It read, "Mayor Situ believes that if they are properly briefed, they would avoid getting into trouble such as alleged sexual assaults, and related issues, rules, cultures and traditions of their new environment(UK).

"He noted that what may appear as nothing to them in their culture could be most times be quite grievous in their new environment."

The statement further read that Dabiri-Erewa had suggested a situation where regular briefing and interactions be conducted for those arriving newly in the UK, especially the students, to enable them to stay out of trouble and adjust fittingly into their new society, different from where they are coming from.

She urged those coming regularly into the UK to be of good behaviour and respect the laws of the host country.

Credit: X| nidcom_gov

Update: Never Give Up on Your Dreams!

Obinna Nwobodo and Egbuchulam Chisom were both teammates at Enugu Rangers International in 2015-2017... Sapa was close to them (not very close).

Both were friends, they exchanged jerseys in Rangers dressing room.

Today, both exchanged jerseys in USA having fulfilled their dreams.

Egbuchulam is in China
Obinna is in the USA

Happy Birthday Rich kid Kiriku.

Victor Osimhen presents his CAF Male Footballer of the Year award to Napoli fans.

Why I'm Spending December With My Grandma — Burna Boy

Afrobeats star, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed his plans for the festive season, stating that he will spend December with his grandmother.

On his X page on Sunday, Burna Boy stated that his grandmother had always wanted him back home.

He also noted that the situation was the reason he made his hit song, "Thanks".

Burna Boy wrote, "My Grandma used to be the one crying for me to come back home, now she’s on edge every time I come back home and is already asking when I’m leaving. This is why I made 'Thanks'.

"I’m rolling with only her this December for peace to reign."

Credit: X | burnaboy

ANAMBRA POLICE RESCUE FOUR CHILDREN OF SAME FAMILY FROM KIDNAPPERS WITHIN HOURS OF ABDUCTION

On 15th December, 2023 at about 23:00 hrs the Police at Abagana received information via Police hot line that suspected herdsmen had abducted four children from a family at Achalla Village, Enugwu Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The caller, who is mother of the children disclosed that the family was watching Television at about 22:00 hrs (10p.m.) when the light suddenly went out.

The man of the house went out to find out what was amiss and the wife followed him. They observed three gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and fled for dear lives.

By the time they summoned courage to return to the house they discovered that their four children who were already asleep had been abducted by the gunmen.

Immediately the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye received the report, he ordered immediate mobilisation of Police personnel and vigilante to go after the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the children.

in the early hours of Saturday, 16th December, 2023 the four children aged 13, 14, 21 and 21 years were rescued close to Urum, 25 kilometres away from their home in Achala village, Enugwu-Agidi.

The children have been reunited with their parents while the dragnet for the armed herdsmen is being extended to neighbouring communities.

The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to those engaged in kidnapping their fellow humans for money that when caught, they will be treated worse than armed robbers.

Meanwhile security has been beefed up in the area to forestall a re-occurence.

*DSP Tochukwu Ikenga*
Police Public Relations Officer,
Anambra State Police Command,
Awka.

16th December, 2023.

Nwanyiocha and her husband Ezenwa just recently relocated their children from their school in Switzerland to schools in Nigeria.

This move is aimed at enabling their kids to immerse themselves in Nigerian culture, connect with their roots, and become more fluent in the Igbo native language.

Anambra Special Duties Commissioner, Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche Lead Walk Through Governor Soludo's Project Sites In Onitsha.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Onitsha South Local Government Area came out en masse to join the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche in a walk through the roads constructed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the council area.

The exercise which was tagged "A walk with the commissioner through Mr. Governor's road construction sites" kicked off at Moore Street by Venn Road Odoakpu, through Kano Street, Haruna Street, Niger Street to Bridge head axis of Ogbo-osisi and Port-harcourt Road to Silas works Road.

All the roads walked through were fully completed with drainage channels and pedestrian walkways.

The team was received by happy residents, traders and passers-by as they chanted "Solution is here", "God bless Soludo", "The Solution Governor", among others and thanked him for keeping to his campaign promise.

Speaking to the ABS after the walk, Commissioner Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche said she was marvelled at the quality and number of roads constructed in the area within a short period.

The commissioner stated that she had expected to cover up the roads within a few minutes but rather walked for over two hours and lauded Governor Soludo for giving the area a face lift.

Others who spoke to the ABS, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, Chief Tony Nwora and Barr. Anthonia Tabansi-Okoye appreciated Governor Soludo for his good work in the area and the state in general.

The Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South, Mr Emeka Orji and his Onitsha North counterpart, Mr Onochie Ozoma were also on ground.

Credit | ABS

National Leader of the New Nigeria People's Party NNPP, Sen Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on 16th December, 2023 visited the injured victims of military air strike at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government area of Kaduna State.

Sen. Kwankwaso urged the concerned authorities to take all necessary precautions to avoid future occurrences of this kind of terrible incident.

Sen. Kwankwaso further commiserated with the entire people of Kaduna State over the incident, and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.

The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.

Saifullahi Hassan
Media Aide to Sen Kwankwaso

Fire Razes TCN Power Substation in Lagos

A section of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), power sub-station in Maryland junction, Lagos, has been gutted by fire.

However, residents in the area told newsmen, on Sunday, that the fire, which started around 20:06 hours on Saturday night, had been put out by men of the Ilupeju Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Our correspondent didn't confirm the cause of the inferno and level of damage, but he learnt that residents in the area were quick to contact the fire service before it escalated to residential areas in Maryland.

Tiwa Savage Acquires London Home Worth N1.7bn

Music artiste, Tiwa Savage, has purchased a luxurious residence in London, United Kingdom.

Tiwa Savage shared pictures of her new home on Instagram stories on Saturday.

The Ma Lo crooner expressed her joy, wrote in broken English "Copped my first key in London Town with the best team. My agent . My best bestie and acct too .”

The house boasts a fully equipped gym, furnished living spaces, and even a cinema room.

Blogger and close associate of the singer, Tunde Ednut, estimated the value of the house at N1.7 billion in a repost on Instagram.

"N1,700,000,000 Billion what????? I have just noticed something about these celebrities. It seems all of them have worked so hard and it’s time to start spending, cause they are spending the money HARD!!! Wow… Tiwa is rich abeg… Wetin happen?? No wahala! Don’t envy Oo! Just rejoice for others; your turn will soon come in Jesus name. Can I get an Amen? Congratulations Tiwa Savage!”, Ednut wrote in broken English.

Credit: Instagram | tiwasavage

Chief Jim Nwobodo was instrumental to the emergence of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani as the Governor of Enugu State in 1999. By the year 2000 the two men fell out, Jim Nwobodo vowed that Dr. Nnamani must be impeached as Governor. He had 16 members of the House of Assembly loyal to him, Nnamani had just 6.

The 16 pro-Nwobodo lawmakers passed impeachment resolution against Nnamani, while the 6 pro Nnamani lawmakers suspended the 16. When Governor Nnamani was to submit 2001 budget, he presented it before the 6 Assembly members and they passed it.

Meanwhile, Nwobodo's 16 were flying from Abuja to Enugu and fro in chartered flight and with retinue of mobile Policemen to perfect the impeachment against Nnamani. They passed their resolution to the Enugu State Chief Judge to set up a seven-man panel to determine the offences leveled against the Governor in order to pave way for the conclusion of the impeachment process, but the Chief Judge ignored them because he recognized the 6 Assembly members loyal to the Governor. That was how the plot to impeach Nnamani was brought to nullity.

Nnamani went on to win reelection in 2003.

The 25 APC Rivers lawmakers (now former) that feels that they can remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office should learn from history.

Credit | Tonye Barcanista

Gaza Hostage Killings 'Broke My Heart', But Military Pressure Necessary — Isreal PM

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said that the killing of three hostages in Gaza in a case of mistaken identity was heart-breaking, but military pressure is necessary to bring the other captives home.

"It broke my heart. It broke the whole nation's heart," Netanyahu said.

While adding, "With all the deep sorrow, I want to clarify the military pressure is necessary both for the return of the kidnapped and for achieving victory over our enemies."

The news of their killing has sparked protests, with the relatives of the remaining hostages expressing concern their loved ones could be next and urging Netanyahu to return to the negotiating table.

According to AFP in the late hours of Saturday, calls for Netanyahu's government to revive stalled talks with Hamas towards a hostage exchange deal have redoubled since the army admitted the three hostages were mistakenly shot to death by soldiers, even as they carried a white flag and cried for help in Hebrew.

Mr. Ibu's Two Legs Not Amputated, Family Debunks Rumours

The family of the comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has addressed misconceptions surrounding Mr. Ibu's health, stating that contrary to circulating reports on social media, the actor has undergone amputation on only one leg, not both.

They added that the initial amputation proved insufficient to resolve his health challenges, leading to a subsequent amputation on the same leg.

The family also refuted claims attributing Mr. Ibu's illness to diabetes disclosing that the actor has been contending with clotting of the blood in his leg, attributed to diseased blood vessels.

This was disclosed in a statement on the actor’s Instagram page on Saturday, December 16.

It read, “We wish to express our sincere gratitude to well-meaning Nigerians and the general public for your immense contributions, physically, spiritually, and most above all financially on getting our daddy Mr John Okafor (Mr Ibu) back on his feet again.

“We wish to correct some misconceptions making rounds on social media concerning the current state of our father’s health.

“First, we would like to state that our daddy wasn’t amputated on both legs but only one. The first amputation didn’t completely correct his health predicament so the doctors had to go ahead to amputate the same leg further to ensure we didn’t lose him.

“Daddy’s cause of sickness is also not diabetes but he’s had constant clotting of the blood in his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health challenges posing risk to his life, therefore the need for the amputation.

“Lastly, the only reason why the family has not flown him out of the country to date is that the doctors have tagged him 'Not Fit to Fly'.

"This tag has made it extremely impossible to get him out of the country for advanced treatment as no airline will fly him.

"Daddy is currently admitted at one of the biggest and best hospitals we’ve got in Nigeria as of today and the hospital has availed him a pool of very astute professionals.

“As Daddy is recuperating, we urge his friends, colleagues, fans, and Nigerians at large to keep him in their prayers and peddle down on unconfirmed reports concerning our dad’s health.

"Thank you Nigerians you all have been very supportive this period. God bless you all."

Previous reports in October indicated that Mr. Ibu successfully underwent five surgeries and was scheduled to be flown abroad for further treatment.

Credit: Instagram | realmribu

Labour Party withdraws their election petition at the supreme Court against Gov Fubara.

The Labour Party (LP) has dropped its petition against the election of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2023 poll.

LP had challenged Fubara’s victory in the exercise with the Appeal Court in Lagos dismissing its petition and upholding the PDP candidate’s win.

But weeks after the development, LP’s governorship candidate in the election, Beatrice Itubo, said the party had dropped the case.

She said this in a Saturday chat with Channels Television in her Ogbakiri country home of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to her, the move followed deliberations with Governor Fubara as she also pledged her support for the current government for the prosperity of the state.

The synergy between Fubara and Itubo is the latest plot in Rivers State politics amid the political crisis rocking the oil-bearing state.

"My life is turned upside-down” – Actress Chizzy Alichi loses her father.

El-Rufai Installed Gbobaniyi Of Ijebu Land

A former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, was on Saturday installed as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

El-Rufai is said to be the first Nigerian outside the South West to receive a chieftaincy title from the Awujale of Ijebuland in his nearly 64-year reign.

Expressing his delight on the installation, the former governor tweeted on his X handle late Friday, "I am pleased to announce that on Saturday, the 16th of December 2023, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland will honour my brother and confidante Otunba Jimi Lawal with two chieftaincy titles for his contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria, along with his wife Maryam Lawal.

"I also am privileged to be the first Nigerian outside of South-West of Nigeria to be conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Awujale in his nearly 64-year reign.

"I am to be recognised as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland. I am grateful to Kabiyesi Awujale for the recognition and thank all those who have wished me well for this."

Credit: X| KadunaToday

Blessing CEO face without the filters and makeup revealed

The one that addressed Bini girls as ashewos.

Today: Napoli vs Cagliari

69’ Victor Osimhen opens the scoring for Napoli
75’ Victor Osimhen provides an assist to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after Cagliari’s equalizer.

82’ Victor Osimhen is subbed off after an injury.

Tinubu celebrates Buhari on his 81st birthday

President Bola Tinubu, celebrated former President Muhammadu Buhari, on his 81st birthday.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, December 16.

The statement reads: "President Bola Tinubu celebrates his friend and ally, former President Muhammadu Buhari, an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism on his 81st birthday.

"President Tinubu extols the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former President, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

"Reeling out former President Buhari's unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, comprising several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges, in addition to establishing Nigeria's first ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats, President Tinubu fondly recalls the former President's aggressive push to modernize Nigeria's defence architecture while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security in the country.

"The President describes former President Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.

"President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland. The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay," the President says.

"President Tinubu appreciates former President Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration.

"While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, President Tinubu assures the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed."

Source: X | FMINONigeria

FG Should Give N50bn To Students As Grants Not Loan – ASUU

ASUU cited the burden of paying back the loan in a country where jobs are not guaranteed after graduation as the reason for the Union's suggestion.

Minister Calls For Inclusion of Women In Peace Building Process

The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has called for the inclusion of women in the nation's peace building process to enable them to have a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

The ministry's Head, Press and Public Relations, Grace Njoku, disclosed this in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Saturday.

According to the statement, the minister made the call in Abuja during the 4th Annual Forum of Women, Peace and Security Sector Reference Group organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with United Nations Women and Nigerian Police Force.

The statement read, "She stated that women by their natural endowment have the resilience to tenaciously work towards ensuring a safe and united society that will provide an enabling environment for socio-economic growth and development of any nation, noting that this virtues also fall in line with the policy thrust of government.

"Kennedy-Ohanenye informed that no peace talk can be actualized without the involvement of women in the process because they occupy a vital position in society, as mothers, daughters and sisters."

The minister further urged Nigerian women to strive to attain heights in their respective careers so as to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the nation.

Credit: X| FMINONigeria

Nigerian Entertainers Who Died In 2023

The Nigerian entertainment industry, known for its captivating sounds of Afrobeat music and the enthralling performances in its movies witnessed the death of several celebrities in 2023.

This report honours their legacies and celebrate the lives they lived.

Here are the entertainers that passed away in 2023:

1. Peace Anyiam- Osigwe

Trailblazing filmmaker, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, died on Tuesday, January 10, in a hospital in Lagos State.

Anyiam-Osigwe, who was also the President of the Association of Movie Producers, founded the Africa Film Academy in 2005, with the award ceremony reputed to be one of the most recognised awards for Africans in film-making. In 2020, she emerged as the National President of The Association of Movie Producers.

2. Sunday Akanbi Akinola

Veteran actor, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, who became popular for his role as “Mogaji “ in the series “ Feyikogbon" which aired on NTA channel 7 in the southwestern Nigeria in the 1980’s, died on January 9, 2023 of kidney failure at the age of 80.

3. Femi Ogunrombi, aka Papa Ajasco

Femi Ogunrombi who played the role of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, died on January 14, 2023.
His character in the TV comedy series was known for his portly belly and hitting his head while saying “Ojigbigbigbi.”

4. Favour Daniels

Nigerian comedian and actress, Favour Agiounim Daniels, who gained popularity through her skits on social media, passed away at the age of 26 on February, 5 2023. She allegedly died in a boat accident.

5. Ojo Arowosafe

Veteran Nollywood actor, Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, died on Tuesday, March 7, at the age of 66, after a protracted illness. Fadeyi Oloro is popularly known for his oratory skills in reciting Yoruba incantations. He rose to fame after acting the movie ‘Arelu’ in the late 80’s. He also acted in movies like Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni mefa among others.

6. Obinna Nwafor

Veteran actor and movie producer Obinna Nwafor, also known as Saint Obi, passed on at the age of 57 on May 7, 2023. The thespian passed on after battling with an undisclosed ailment. He was laid to rest on August 18, 2023, in his hometown, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.
In 2001, he produced his first movie titled, ‘Take Me to Maama’. He also acted in many movies including, ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Sakobi’, ‘Goodbye Tomorrow’, ‘Festival of Fire’, and ‘Heart of Gold’.

7. Adedigba Mukaila

Veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila, best known by his stage name ‘Alafin Oro’, died on May 13, 2023.

8. Murphy Afolabi

Popular Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, passed away on May 14, 2023, just a few days after celebrating his 49th birthday. He was said to have fallen down in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, that Sunday morning.
Born on May 5, 1974, Murphy began acting at a young age. The actor shot to fame following his role in the movie ‘Omo Rapala.’

9. Chikezie Uwazie

Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie who also died on Sunday, May 14, reportedly passed after undergoing brain surgery in the United States. His death was announced by colleague, Obey Etok, via her Instagram page.

10. Chris Mba
Veteran pop singer, Chris Mba, died on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after a long battle with heart issues. The musician, who was famous in the 1980s for his jerry curl and hits like ‘Funky Situation’, ‘Baby Don’t Cry’, ‘Making My Way’ and ‘Love Everlasting’, died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

11. Afeez Agoro

Popular Nollywood actor widely regarded as the tallest man in Nigeria, Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, passed away on June 15 after a prolonged illness. Before his demise, Agoro was 7ft 4in tall. The intimidating height of the deceased, who was featured in some movies, attracted stares wherever he went.

12. Ilerioluwa Aloba

Nigerian artiste, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad, died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27 under questionable circumstances, with videos of the singer being bullied and assaulted resurfacing after his demise. He was known for his hit songs Feel Good, Peace, Ponmo, Beast and Peace, Sorry, Ko Por Ke, among others.

13. Cindy Amadi
Nollywood actress, Cindy Amadi, who is known for her role in the lesbian-themed movie titled, “Ife”, also died in September 2023. The producers of the movie, “Ife”, disclosed her demise in a statement on their Instagram page on Thursday, Sept 14.

14. Oluyemi Adeyemi

Veteran Nollywood actor, Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, popularly known as Suara, died on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Adeyemi rose to fame with his role in the 2001 Wale Adenuga hit series, ‘Super Story.’

Tinubu Mourns Broadcaster, Kabiru Fagge

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, expressed grief over the passing of a veteran broadcaster, Kabiru Usman Fagge, who died on Friday in the United States of America.

This was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale , on Saturday.

"Fagge, aged 77, was an enduring name across the Hausa-speaking world for his long career with the Hausa service of the Voice of America, spanning 25 years", the statement read.

In the statement, Tinubu lauded the contributions of the deceased to nation-building, particularly his sensitisation on and advocacy for education through the well-known weekly education programme he anchored.

It read, "His desire to serve humanity through journalism started quite early from his days as a freelancer while teaching. We are grateful for his services through his chosen career and for being a good ambassador of Nigeria on such a global platform."

The President further condoled with the family of the deceased, the government, and the people of Kano State, as well as the Nigerian journalism community over the loss.

Credit: X| NGRPresident

Inflation Forces Turkey's Central Bank Chief To Move In With Parents

The new head of Turkey's central bank said she has been priced out of Istanbul's property market by rampant inflation, leaving no choice for the former finance executive but to move back in with her parents.

"We haven't found a home in Istanbul. It's terribly expensive. We've moved in with my parents," 44-year-old Hafize Gaye Erkan, who took up her post in June after two decades in the United States, told the Hurriyet newspaper.

Erkan previously worked at firms including Goldman Sachs and First Republic Bank -- and is now getting a crash course in the soaring prices that have seen many young people struggling to find lodgings.

"Is it possible that Istanbul has gotten more expensive than Manhattan?" she said.

Year-on-year inflation stood at 61 percent in November as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has allowed the lira currency to weaken while promising that a new team of economists with Wall Street experience would tackle years of economic crisis.

To quell growing anger, officials also capped rent increases at 25 percent -- though experts say that has only amplified the housing tensions, as owners try to push out occupants, sometimes fraudulently, in order to set new and higher rents.

The central bank last month pushed up benchmark lending rates to 40 percent in a bid to get inflation under control.

"We're nearing the end of our monetary tightening measures," Erkan told the paper.

AFP

Regina Askia (Actress) Is 56 Today

Wishing former Nigerian actress and American-based family nurse practitioner Regina Askia-Williams a happy birthday today (16 December 1967). Regina Askia starred in several "Nollywood" films during the 1990s and early 2000s. Askia competed in the MBGN 1988 contest. Though she was a favorite to win, she placed second. However, she became the title holder the following year when winner Bianca Onoh resigned.

Happy birthday Regina Askia

Israel mourns three Gaza hostages mistakenly killed

Israel on Saturday mourned the deaths of three Gaza hostages killed when troops mistook them for a threat, with the military expressing remorse over a “tragic” incident that sparked protests in Tel Aviv.

The Israeli army said Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa — all aged in their twenties — were shot during operations in a neighbourhood of Gaza City. The trio were among an estimated 240 people taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7 raids into Israel, which also killed an estimated 1,200 people.

“During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

“The IDF expresses deep sorrow regarding this disaster and shares in the grief of the families.”

JUST IN: MR. IBU HAS UNDERGONE ANOTHER LEG AMPUTATION.

The family had said the actor successfully underwent five surgeries and would be flown abroad for further treatment soon.

Ailing Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has undergone another leg amputation and is barely able to talk, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has revealed, while calling for prayers and support for the veteran.

The AGN National President, Dr. Emeka Rollas, in a chat with newsmen, said as the association was monitoring Ibu’s case, it was also concerned about the deteriorating health of another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, who’s currently hospitalised at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, for over two months.

Speaking with Vanguard, the AGN president gave an update, “We are resigning to fate concerning the two actors. As I speak with you, Mr Ibu hardly talks again and he has undergone another leg amputation.”

According to Rollas, who recently visited Muonagor alongside some of his colleagues at the Intensive Care Unit of Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, the actor’s state of health is pitiable, as he is currently a shadow of his old self.

“You will shed tears if you see Amaechi Muonagor now, his legs are completely paralyzed. I’m calling on all fans and well wishers of the actor to join hands with other philanthropic Nigerians to support him in this dire time,” Rollas said.

He revealed that he had approved the sum of N250,000 to be sent to the ailing actor’s account from the AGN Trust Fund, which, according to him, may not be enough, following Muonagor’s records with the Guild HMO and Insurance policy.