By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected motorcycle robbers have cut off the hand of a school teacher, Isah Sallama, during an attack in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, The Daily Reality reports.

The incident happened on Wednesday night along the Funkuyi Road in Buran District. This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary for Public Enlightenment of the Rano Emirate Council, Nasiru Habu Faragai.

Faragai said Sallama, who lives in Sarkin Bakar Rano, came under attack when he tried to assist another victim, Malam Sauwanu Hadi. The assailants were attempting to snatch Hadi’s motorcycle and mobile phone at the time.

He added that the attackers first attempted to shoot Sallama, but their weapon failed to discharge, according to a report by the Daily Trust newspaper.

“When the gun failed, they resorted to using a machete and chopped off his hand, leaving him in a critical condition,” the statement said.

The District Head of Bunkure, Alhaji Aminu Isa Umaru, reported the case to the Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umaru.

The emir condemned the incident and described it as troubling. He ordered that security agencies be notified for a detailed investigation.

He also approved the sum of N100,000 to assist with the victim’s medical treatment.

The traditional ruler urged community leaders and security operatives to step up efforts to address robbery and other criminal activities in the area.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday, but were repelled by military troops, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The assault began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on 9 April 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation, according to a statement from the DHQ.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“A few brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price” during the encounter, the military said, without disclosing the exact number of casualties.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honoured the fallen soldiers, describing their courage as “a source of pride and inspiration” to the armed forces and the nation.

The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements who have suffered significant losses in recent operations.

Clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the area to track fleeing insurgents, the DHQ added.

The public was urged to disregard misinformation and unverified content on social media, and to allow the military to formally notify the families of the deceased before further details are released.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Israeli military has stated that a journalist killed during a recent strike in Gaza was a member of Hamas, an assertion strongly rejected by Al Jazeera.

In a message posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had “eliminated” Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah. The military alleged that he was “a Hamas terrorist operating under the guise of an Al Jazeera journalist.”

According to the IDF, Washah played a role in the group’s weapons operations.

“Washah, a key terrorist in Hamas’ rocket & weapons production HQ, was also involved in the production and transfer of weapons through Gaza,” the IDF said.

“The terrorist was actively involved in planning attacks against IDF troops & posed a concrete threat to forces in the area,” it added.

The statement followed earlier reports that an Al Jazeera correspondent, identified as Mohammed Wishah, died after an Israeli strike hit his vehicle in Gaza City.

Al Jazeera rejected the Israeli account and described the killing as intentional. The network condemned the incident and accused Israeli forces of targeting journalists.

“Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the heinous crime of targeting and killing Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent, Mohammed Wishah,” the network said.

“This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth,” it added.

The organisation maintained that the attack was deliberate.

“As Al Jazeera mourns its correspondent Mohammed Wishah… it affirms that his killing was not a random act but a deliberate and targeted crime intended to intimidate journalists,” the statement read.

“The targeting of Wishah represents another episode in a series of deliberate attacks against journalists,” warning of “a dangerous escalation aimed at media professionals,” Al Jazeera said.

The network also called for accountability.

“Al Jazeera holds Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for the killing,” the network said, adding that it would pursue “all necessary legal avenues to bring those responsible to justice.”

The death of Wishah adds to the growing number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023. Al Jazeera said the figure has reached 262.

By Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice)

The memories of those harrowing and dark days in Plateau State, particularly in Jos, remain etched into my soul. I remember too little to recall every detail, yet enough to feel the weight of terror that engulfed my childhood. Outsiders hesitated to enter, and even those of us who lived there trembled at each echo of gunfire. Plateau, once a land of promise, became a chamber of fear, its people caught between survival and despair.

I was very young during the Jos and “Yelwa Shendam” crises. I barely understood what was happening. Yet one rainy day in 2001 is etched in my memory: my mother clutching my hand and my brother’s, carrying my youngest sibling on her back, running towards “Gangare” as the gunshots pierced the stormy air. I didn’t fully understand death then, but I felt its shadow.

November 2008 brought horrors I could not escape. Smoke choked the sky, thick and black from burning tyres, cars, shops, and homes. The familiar morning sounds, the rooster’s crow, the call to prayer, were drowned out by the relentless rattling of bullets. I saw men lying lifeless in the streets, burnt and broken. Women clutched their children as the world around them descended into chaos. Infants cried and died; pregnant women were not spared. The streets of Jos were no longer streets; they were rivers of despair. That was the day I realised that life could shatter in an instant, leaving nothing but grief and fear.

The nightmare returned in January 2010. The cry “An Fara! An Fara! It begins!” echoed across the city, and everyone ran for their lives. Markets emptied; cars stopped mid-journey; the city was silenced by death. By March, villages like “Dogo Na Hauwa” felt the same agony. Men, women, and children were slaughtered indiscriminately. Families fled, unsure if they would ever return. Our own family considered escaping to Kano or our ancestral states, seeking refuge from the unending bloodshed. Our government, both state and federal, failed us when we needed them most, leaving an entire generation to grow up amidst fear, hatred, and division.

And yet, amid this darkness, a truth becomes clear: religion itself is not to blame. Both Islam and Christianity teach love, compassion, and coexistence. Islam emphasises peace and justice; Christianity is built on love and mercy. How, then, can these teachings be turned into instruments of hatred?

Most conflicts are not truly religious. They are manipulated and twisted by politicians and traditional leaders seeking power, wealth, and control. Land disputes, political rivalry, and ethnic tensions are cloaked in the garb of faith. To blame religion alone is to ignore the real forces at work, and to fail the innocent who suffer because of it.

We cannot abandon faith. We must embrace its true teachings: peace, love, unity. We must teach our children to rise above hatred, to recognise manipulation, and to work together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background. Africa does not need less religion; it needs more honesty, more understanding, more courage to unite despite the forces that seek to divide us.

Plateau State can heal. Jos can thrive again. Nigeria can rise. But only if we choose love over fear, unity over division, and humanity over hatred.

Finally, I urge youths, children, elders and leaders of all religions and ethnicities to continue supporting peaceful coexistence and harmonious interaction in Plateau State. 

God bless Jos.

God bless Plateau State.

God bless Nigeria and all her people.

Shamwil Ibrahim (Justice) wrote via ibrahimshamawilu@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A student identified as Maryam, who was abducted by bandits several months ago while travelling to school, has regained her freedom after spending a long period in captivity.

Maryam was on her way from Zamfara State to Sokoto State, where she intended to continue her education, when armed attackers intercepted her and took her to an undisclosed location.

News of her release emerged on Wednesday through blogger D English Alhaji, who shared the update on social media. He confirmed that she is now safe and receiving care after her ordeal.

“We have Maryam with us now. Thank you, Nigerians. Maryam is finally free,” he said.

A video posted shortly after the announcement showed Maryam inside a vehicle as she was being taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

In the footage, she appeared weak and tired. She expressed gratitude to Nigerians who supported her during the period of her captivity.

Maryam appreciated members of the public for their prayers and encouragement. She said their support gave her strength and hope throughout the difficult experience.

Her release comes at a time when insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of Nigeria. Incidents of bandit attacks and kidnappings continue to affect states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Kwara.

Residents in the affected areas have continued to voice concern over the situation, as armed groups carry out attacks on communities, highways, schools and places of worship. Travellers, students and worshippers are often among those targeted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Al Jazeera correspondent, Mohammed Wishah, has lost his life after an Israeli strike reportedly hit his vehicle in Gaza City.

The incident happened amid ongoing clashes despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States to ease tensions. Wishah’s death has increased concern over the rising number of journalists killed in the conflict.

According to Al Jazeera, the strike directly hit his vehicle, killing him at the scene. Details surrounding the attack remain uncertain, and Israeli authorities have not issued an immediate response.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the network said: “Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the heinous crime of targeting and killing Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent, Mohammed Wishah, following a strike on the vehicle in which he was travelling west of the Gaza Strip.

“This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth.”

The organisation described the incident as part of a broader pattern of attacks against media workers. It said the development signals an escalation that threatens press freedom and limits coverage from the region.

“Mohammed Wishah joins the ranks of Al Jazeera journalists killed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza: Samer Abu Daqqa, Hamza Al Dahdouh, Ismail Al Ghoul, Ahmed Al Louh, Hossam Shabat, Ibrahim Thaher, Mohammed Qreiqea, Mohammed Nofal, Anas Al Sharif, and Mohammed Salama,” Al Jazeera said.

“As Al Jazeera mourns its correspondent Mohammed Wishah, who joined the Network in 2018, it affirms that his killing was not a random act but a deliberate and targeted crime intended to intimidate journalists and prevent them from carrying out their professional duties.”

The network said it holds Israeli forces responsible for the incident. It added that the action forms part of a consistent pattern aimed at silencing its reporters and restricting coverage on the ground.

Al Jazeera extended condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased. It stated that such incidents will not stop its work. The organisation also urged the international community and rights groups to act. It called for accountability and an end to attacks on journalists.

The network said it will pursue legal steps to ensure justice for its staff and other journalists killed in Gaza.

Wishah’s death brings the number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 to 262. The figure has raised fresh concerns among press freedom groups about the safety of reporters in conflict zones.

Elsewhere in Gaza, violence has continued. Health officials said at least 10 people died in an Israeli airstrike near a school that sheltered displaced residents in central Gaza.

“At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured, including six in critical condition, by Israeli shelling and clashes east of Maghazi refugee camp,” the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said in a statement.

Witnesses reported that drones fired missiles during the incident. The attack followed clashes between residents and members of a militia said to have Israeli backing.

“The residents tried to defend their homes, but the occupation forces targeted them directly,” Ahmed al-Maghazi told Reuters.

The latest developments have increased scrutiny on conditions faced by journalists and civilians in Gaza, where access to safe environments remains limited amid continued military operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of people have been killed and many others injured after Israeli forces carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes across Lebanon, Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine has said.

The attacks followed an announcement by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), which confirmed it had executed what it described as its most extensive coordinated military action in Lebanon since the launch of “Operation Roaring Lion.”

In a message shared on its official X account, the IDF stated, “In 10 minutes, the IDF completed the largest coordinated strike across Lebanon since the start of Operation Roaring Lion.”

According to the Israeli military, more than 100 locations linked to Hezbollah were targeted during the operation. These included “headquarters, military arrays, & command-and-control centers in Beirut, Beqaa and southern Lebanon.”

The IDF added that the strikes also focused on “intelligence command centers and central headquarters used planning terror attacks,” alongside “infrastructure of firepower and naval arrays, responsible for launching missiles.”

It further disclosed that the operation hit “assets of the Radwan Force, & the Aerial unit—Hezbollah’s elite units.”

The bombardment affected several parts of the country, including Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. The scale of the assault marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.

Lebanese authorities confirmed a high number of casualties. However, they have not provided a precise breakdown of those killed or injured. Emergency teams are still working at multiple sites to rescue victims and assess the damage.

Israel indicated that its military campaign will continue. The IDF said it intends to maintain pressure on Hezbollah due to security concerns in northern Israel.

“We will continue striking the Hezbollah terror organization and will utilize every operational opportunity. We will not compromise the security of the residents of northern Israel. We will continue to strike with determination,” said IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who supervised the operation.

The situation has heightened tensions across the region, with fears growing that the conflict could widen. Cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified in recent days.

Israel had earlier stated that it would sustain its strikes on Lebanon despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States in the broader Middle East conflict.

Several countries have previously urged Israel to halt military actions in Lebanon. Israel, however, maintains that Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, remains a significant threat due to its presence in the country.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Youssef Raggi, announced a diplomatic move against Iran. He revealed that Lebanon had withdrawn its approval for Iran’s designated ambassador, Mohammad Reza Shibani, and ordered him to leave the country.

In a statement, Raggi said, “I instructed today the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants to summon the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires in Lebanon to inform him of the decision to withdraw the agrément for the designated Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Reza Shibani, declare him persona non grata, and request that he leave Lebanese territory no later than 29 March 2026.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Academic activities at the University of Jos have been halted after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Jos branch, announced an indefinite strike over unpaid March 2026 salaries and concerns about missing Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

The union issued a notice to its members on Tuesday. It instructed lecturers to withdraw from lectures, examinations, statutory meetings, and all related academic duties with immediate effect.

The statement, which was signed by the branch chairperson, Jurbe Joseph Molwus, explained that the action followed internal consultations and resolutions reached by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) and congress.

“After following due process, we hereby request all members to abstain from lectures, conduct of exams and statutory meetings as our salary for the month of March 2026 is yet to be paid despite our patience,” the statement read.

ASUU said the strike commenced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and will remain in place until the outstanding salaries are settled.

The union linked the delay in payment to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. It noted that the university’s bursary department had already completed its role in processing the salaries.

“From our consultation, the delay is occasioned by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation as the bursary of the University has done its part in the process of salary payment,” the statement added.

The lecturers also accused relevant authorities of ignoring their concerns and undermining industrial harmony within the institution.

“It seems our patience is being taken for granted by those who are determined to frustrate industrial harmony,” it said.

ASUU further disclosed that it has set up a monitoring team to ensure that members fully comply with the strike directive.

The development reflects wider dissatisfaction across Nigeria’s university system, where lecturers in several institutions have raised complaints about delays in salary payments under the current administration.

Reports indicate that staff members at universities such as Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, and Federal University Birnin Kebbi have also expressed frustration over the non-payment of March salaries, especially as it coincided with the Easter period.

“This has become a pattern, but this particular delay shows a lack of consideration. People have families to cater for, especially during festive periods like this,” one lecturer told SaharaReporters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has criticised CNN over a report linked to Iran’s claim of victory after a ceasefire agreement, alleging that the network relied on a false source.

The president made the allegation on Wednesday through his Truth Social platform. His comments came shortly after he announced a two-week ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran.

Reacting to a statement attributed to Iranian authorities, Trump said, “The alleged statement put out by CNN World News is a fraud, as CNN well knows.”

He also claimed that the report originated from an unreliable platform. According to him, “The false statement was linked to a Fake News site (from Nigeria) and, of course, immediately picked up by CNN, and blared out as a ‘legitimate’ headline.”

Trump maintained that the version circulated by CNN did not reflect Iran’s official position. He said, “The Official Statement by Iran was just released, and posted on TRUTH, below.”

In another post, the president intensified his criticism of the network. He said, “No one can believe that Fake News CNN put out a knowingly false and dangerous statement pretending it came from the upper levels of the Iranian Government. It didn’t! It was totally made up and posted, as a headline, for purpose of, perhaps, inflaming a very delicate situation.”

He further alleged that the report came from “a new, trouble-making site from Nigeria,” and added that “CNN just got caught cheating — a very dangerous thing to do.”

The disputed report was said to have been issued by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. It claimed that Tehran recorded a “historic and crushing defeat” against the United States and forced Washington to accept parts of its negotiation terms.

Trump rejected the claim and insisted that Iran’s official statement did not support such conclusions. He also called on CNN to withdraw the report and issue an apology.

He said, “Authorities are looking to determine whether or not a crime was committed on the issuance of the Fake CNN World Statement, or was it a sick rogue player.”

He added, “CNN is being ordered to immediately withdraw this statement with full apologies for their, as usual, terrible ‘reporting.’ Results of the investigation will be announced in the near future.”

Trump’s reference to Nigeria has drawn reactions, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim that the report came from a Nigerian-based platform.

The Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, supported the president’s position and faulted CNN’s handling of the report.

Carr said, “Fake news is bad enough for the country, but pushing out a hoax headline in such a sensitive national security moment as this requires accountability.”

CNN, however, defended its report and declined to retract it. A spokesperson for the network said the information came directly from Iranian officials and was confirmed by several state media outlets in Iran.

The spokesperson stated, “We received the statement from specific official Iranian spokespeople who are known to us,” and noted that similar versions appeared in English and Farsi across Iranian platforms.

The network insisted that its report reflected information provided by Iranian authorities at the time. It added that standard verification processes were followed before publication.

The disagreement comes amid global attention on the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The agreement was reached shortly before a deadline set by Trump for possible military action.

Both countries have claimed success in the standoff. The ceasefire has, however, been widely seen as a step toward reducing tensions, especially due to the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil supply.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that safe passage through the strait would be ensured for two weeks under the agreement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has reduced the ex-gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to N1,200 per litre. This marks a reversal of its earlier price increase after a drop in global crude oil prices linked to geopolitical developments.

The new price reflects a reduction of N75 from the previous rate of about N1,275 per litre. The refinery had earlier raised prices due to rising international oil costs and concerns over supply.

A senior official of the refinery confirmed the adjustment on Tuesday night. He explained that the decision followed changes in global crude oil benchmarks and market conditions.

“The adjustment is in line with global market trends. You are aware of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and their impact on crude oil prices. These are external factors that directly influence refined product pricing,” the official, who spoke in confidence due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.

He also said, “Petrol has been reviewed upward by N75 to N1,275 per litre, which is about a five per cent increase, while diesel has increased more significantly by N200 to N1,950 per litre. These changes reflect the realities of the international market.”

By Wednesday morning, the same official confirmed that the refinery had reversed the earlier increase. He said the latest decision followed a sharp drop in crude oil prices after former United States President Donald Trump announced a conditional two-week ceasefire arrangement with Iran. The development reduced concerns about possible supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Data showed that Brent crude fell by 13.28 per cent to $94.76 per barrel on Wednesday. US West Texas Intermediate also declined by 14.72 per cent to $96.31 per barrel.

The drop in prices followed signs of easing tensions after Trump said the United States would suspend planned military action against Iran for two weeks. The move depends on restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Yes, the price has been reversed. This follows the current price of crude oil,” the official added during a telephone interview.

The refinery also issued a statement to address speculation about further price increases. It clarified that no additional hike had been introduced and that prices were instead adjusted downward.

“A source at the company confirmed that its pricing structure remains intact, with the gantry price at N1,200 per litre and the coastal price at N1,153 per litre.

“We are maintaining our existing price and have not implemented any new pricing for our customers,” the statement read.

The company added that it remains focused on ensuring consistent fuel supply within Nigeria and across the region.

The development comes at a time when Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector faces continued uncertainty due to fluctuations in global oil prices, exchange rates, and supply chain challenges.

Since it began operations in September 2024, the Dangote refinery has played a major role in shaping fuel supply and pricing in the country. Its latest move highlights the growing link between domestic fuel prices and global market trends following the deregulation of the sector.