News

By Uzair Adam

Nigeria has recorded a surge in Lassa fever cases, with 11 new infections confirmed in the 23rd week of 2025, raising the total death toll this year to 143.

The latest cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The Daily Reality gathered that tne healthcare worker was among those newly infected.In its latest situation report, the NCDC disclosed that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now stands at 18.9 percent—higher than the 17.8 percent recorded during the same period last year.

The Centre described this as worrying, noting it reflects a greater proportion of deaths among confirmed cases.

So far, 18 states have reported at least one confirmed case across 96 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states accounting for 90 percent of all infections.

Ondo alone contributes 31 percent of the total.Most of the affected individuals are between 21 and 30 years old, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

Despite a general decline in cases compared to 2024, the infection of a healthcare worker highlights ongoing risks.

To address the outbreak, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner Incident Management System.

This includes enhanced surveillance, training for clinicians in hotspot areas, and integration of Lassa fever messaging into broader public health communication.

The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, stressed the importance of early presentation at health facilities.

“Late presentation remains a major challenge, contributing to the high fatality rate. Nigerians should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear,” he urged.

Response efforts include distributing personal protective equipment, Ribavirin, and hygiene materials to affected states and treatment centres.

Healthcare workers have also been trained in case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue States with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, challenges persist. These include low awareness in high-burden communities, inadequate sanitation, poor health-seeking behaviour, and the high cost of treatment.

The NCDC is continuing public awareness campaigns, community sensitisation, and collaboration with both local and international partners to strengthen disease prevention, surveillance, and treatment.

Nigerians are advised to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and support community-led efforts to improve sanitation.

The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to a coordinated national response aimed at containing the disease.

By Anas Abbas

The Joint Task Force for Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF-OPWS) has committed to reinstating peace in the troubled communities of Benue State.

This assurance was given by Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Commander of JTF-OPWS, in a statement released on Tuesday by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the acting Media Operation Officer at the headquarters.

Maj. Gen. Gara made this promise during an operational tour of key areas affected by the ongoing military campaign in the state.

He urged the troops to uphold their confidence, remain vigilant, and adhere to high professional standards in their operations.

The commander highlighted that the task force is employing a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies aimed at dismantling criminal elements that threaten peace in the region.

He underscored the importance of unwavering commitment, resilience, and discipline as essential components of their counter-terrorism and counter-banditry efforts.

Reassuring the public, Gara stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not waver in their mission until peace and normalcy are fully restored.

He vowed that all individuals involved in violence and insecurity would be identified and brought to justice according to existing laws and military protocols.

“The era of impunity is over. We are here to reassure our people that the military remains dedicated to protecting lives and property, and that no criminal will escape punishment,” he declared.

During his tour, Maj. Gen. Gara assessed troop morale, operational readiness, and logistical support for the units.

He also engaged with field commanders to review real-time intelligence and ongoing operations aimed at eliminating armed militias, bandits, and other non-state actors.

The commander visited several locations during his tour, including Naka, Gwer West, Otukpo, Agatu, and APA Local Government Area.

This commitment from the JTF-OPWS aims to foster a safer environment for all residents of Benue State as they work towards restoring peace and stability.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

U.S. intelligence assessments have concluded that Iran is not currently pursuing a nuclear weapon, despite heightened regional tensions and fears of escalation. According to officials cited by CNN, Iran would still need up to three years to produce and deliver a nuclear warhead to a target of its choosing, should it decide to take that path.

These revelations come amid a dramatic military conflict between Israel and Iran that erupted earlier this month. On June 13, Israel launched a wide-ranging preemptive military campaign—codenamed Operation Rising Lion—against Iran, targeting over 100 sites including nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Tehran.

The Israeli strikes killed at least 224 people and injured more than a thousand, many of them civilians. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and power stations, was also severely damaged.

Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise 3, unleashing a massive barrage of over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones against Israeli military bases and infrastructure. Dozens of Israelis were injured, several seriously.

Despite the intensity of the conflict, U.S. intelligence officials maintain that Iran has not made the political decision to weaponize its nuclear program. While uranium enrichment activities continue, they have not reached a threshold indicating imminent nuclear arms development.

The ongoing war has raised concerns among international observers, with legal experts warning that elements of the Israeli offensive may violate international law. As both sides continue exchanging fire, diplomatic efforts face severe obstacles, and fears grow of further escalation in an already volatile region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated the importance of using data to drive public relations, as it joined communication professionals from across Africa to mark the 50th anniversary of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) at the 36th Annual Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya.

The event, which took place from June 9 to 13, 2025, at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, attracted over 500 delegates including academics, policymakers, corporate executives, and development partners.

Themed “Transforming Africa through Safe and Responsible Digital Communication”, the gathering focused on shaping the future of public relations on the continent.Representing the NCS was Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service’s National Public Relations Officer.

He delivered a presentation titled “Leveraging Data Analytics for Effective Public Relations Practice in the Nigeria Customs Service.” In his remarks, he explained that public institutions must embrace data to build public confidence and communicate reforms clearly.

“Public relations has moved from the era of assumptions to a profession guided by evidence. At Nigeria Customs, we are applying data analytics not just to shape narratives, but to measure impact, evaluate stakeholder perception, and make informed communication decisions,” AC Maiwada stated.

He credited the Service’s shift to a proactive communications strategy to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. Maiwada noted that the NCS now employs media intelligence tools, real-time feedback systems, and sentiment analysis to strengthen its relationship with the public.

“The future of public sector communication lies in our ability to listen, adapt and engage purposefully. As gatekeepers of public trust, we cannot afford to be reactive. We must lead with clarity, backed by verifiable data,” he added.

The conference also served as a platform to formally announce Nigeria as the host of the 2026 edition of the APRA summit.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the country’s readiness through the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Onilu.

“Nigeria is deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in us to host APRA 2026. This is a historic opportunity not just to celebrate excellence, but to deepen our collective resolve to use communication as a force for good across the continent,” Onilu said.

Key figures at the conference included APRA President Arik Karani, Immediate Past President Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, President of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management Prof. Justin Green, World Communication Forum Association President Maxim Behar, and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) President Dr. Ike Neliaku.

In a goodwill message, International Public Relations Association (IPRA) President-elect Esther Cobbah encouraged PR professionals to use their craft to promote unity and advance equity, trust, and development across Africa.Dr. Neliaku also led a key panel session, where he presented a paper titled “Navigating Good Governance and Development in Africa Through Responsible Digital Communication.”

He urged governments to invest in strategic communications and called on practitioners to treat trust and reputation as essential assets in the digital era.

The active participation of the Nigeria Customs Service at APRA 2025 reflects its commitment to modernising its image and public engagement approach.

With Nigeria set to host the next APRA conference, the NCS is expected to play a central role in shaping Africa’s future communications agenda, anchored in innovation, accountability, and data-driven storytelling.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Chairman of Wudil Local Government Council, Abubakar Abdullahi Likita, on Monday slumped and died during the funeral prayer of his close associate, former Dala Local Government Chairman, Mahmoud Sani Madakin Gini, in Kano.

Likita collapsed while the Janazah prayer was ongoing, causing panic among mourners. Efforts to revive him failed, and he was confirmed dead shortly afterwards.

A close associate, Abubakar Musa, told journalists that Likita’s funeral prayer will take place on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at his residence in Bompai, Kano.

It was gathered that Likita was in the same vehicle with the 2023 Kano State governorship candidate, Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, on their way to the funeral.

It was earlier reported that Madakin Gini died in a car crash along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday.

The deaths of the two prominent political figures have thrown Kano’s political scene into mourning, especially among those who served under the Shekarau-led administration.

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Government has deployed additional troops to Benue State in response to the latest deadly attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of many of residents.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated this on Monday in a statement.

Akume condemned the deadly attack and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to end the violence.

He said President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered a full-scale military operation to flush out the perpetrators and restore peace in the area, following the “mindless and disheartening” killings in the state.

He said, “I express profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is to be noted also, that the federal government has rendered assistance through NEMA, while more troops have been deployed to Benue state to handle the explosive situation.

“Expressing grief over the merciless killing of many of innocent men, women, and children in the state, Akume described the incident as a wound to the country.

He said, “The continued bloodletting and mindless killings across Benue State are both disheartening and utterly condemnable.

“This latest reprehensible act, one among too many, is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation.

“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven.”

Akume called on leaders and stakeholders in Benue to set aside all differences and urgently unite to chart a sustainable path to peace.

He further stated that “We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future”.

The SGF urged all Nigerians, regardless of faith or belief, to uphold peace and brotherhood.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled his scheduled visit to Kaduna State, redirecting his trip to Benue following a renewed wave of violent attacks that have claimed multiple lives and displaced several communities.

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Monday, as obtained by The Daily Reality.

According to the statement, President Tinubu will be in Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, where he is expected to meet with traditional leaders, religious figures, political stakeholders, youth groups, and community members in a town hall session aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding long-term solutions.

Ahead of the visit, the President has already deployed top government officials to the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the National Assembly Committees on Defence.

President Tinubu, while condemning the latest violence, urged citizens to embrace peace, unity, and mutual respect.

He also extended his condolences to the families of those killed and affected by the unrest.

Meanwhile, his postponed visit to Kaduna will now take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, where he is expected to commission key state projects.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A UK court has sentenced Nigerian health worker Adewale Kudabo to six months in prison for kissing a vulnerable patient in his care, in what the judge described as a “serious abuse of trust.”

Kudabo, who was employed at a care facility in England, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and non-consensual physical contact with a patient. The court heard that the victim was emotionally and mentally vulnerable, and unable to provide informed consent.

Presiding Judge Alex Menary said Kudabo’s actions represented “a gross violation of professional boundaries,” and stressed the duty of care owed by healthcare workers to those they serve.

Henry Fernnandez, the prosecutor, said Kudabo was allocated to bathe the patient who was in a lot of pain.

When finished bathing the patient, Kudabo reportedly kissed her on the lips

“The patient was dependent on your care and protection,” Judge Menary said during sentencing. “Instead, you exploited that vulnerability.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Kudabo has been removed from the health care register and is barred from working in the care sector in the future.

By Maryam Ahmad

An Indonesian province is offering cash rewards to men who undergo vasectomy procedures, in a bold effort to slow the country’s rapid population growth, The Star reports.

As part of a government-backed family planning campaign, local health authorities say the initiative aims to promote shared responsibility in reproductive health. Men who voluntarily get the procedure will receive a financial incentive, though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed.

“We want to raise awareness that family planning is not just a woman’s burden,” a provincial health official told The Star. “Men also have a role to play in managing population growth.”

With over 270 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Officials warn that continued population growth could strain resources, from healthcare to education and employment.

While some have praised the initiative as progressive, others have raised concerns about potential social pressure and the need for proper counselling to ensure informed consent. Authorities say all participants will receive thorough medical guidance before proceeding.

The program is currently being rolled out in selected areas and could expand if deemed effective.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to enforce his earlier orders to restore peace in Benue State following renewed deadly clashes.

The president’s directive comes after fresh reprisal attacks claimed multiple lives, prompting an immediate security intervention. Security operatives, including intelligence agencies, the police, and the military, have been deployed to the state to oversee operations and stabilize the situation.

Tinubu also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with initiating reconciliation talks between warring groups, including farmers and herders, to end the cycle of violence.

Condemning the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu warned political and community leaders against inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.

He urged them to restrain aggressors and support efforts for lasting peace.

“The bloodletting must stop. Security agencies must arrest and prosecute perpetrators on all sides,” Tinubu stated. “Governor Alia must now act as a statesman, foster dialogue, and ensure justice for all parties. Benue’s people deserve peace, and leaders must work together to achieve it.”

The president’s intervention follows growing concerns over unchecked violence in the state, with calls for decisive action to prevent further casualties.