News

By Muhammad Abubakar

A young Indian family’s new life abroad ended in tragedy when Air India flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed this morning, killing 241 people on board, with one miraculous survivor.

Among the victims were Dr Pratik Joshi and Dr Komi Vyas, both accomplished medical professionals, and their three children: aged 9, 6, and just 18 months. Their story, tragically, has come to embody the human cost of an unthinkable disaster.

Dr. Joshi, 38, had been living and working in London for the past six years, laying the foundation for a new life in the UK. Tirelessly working through the red tape of immigration and professional certification, he had long dreamed of reuniting his family abroad and offering them a brighter, safer future.

That dream was finally within reach. Just two days ago, Dr. Komi Vyas resigned from her job at a government hospital in Gujarat. The couple had packed up their lives, said their goodbyes, and looked forward to turning the page. Friends and relatives recall their excitement and plans to settle in South London, enrol their children in school, and continue their medical careers.

Before boarding the flight, the family took a photo after boarding and sent it to relatives with the caption: “One way to a new beginning.” Minutes later, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control moments after taking off.

The Indian diaspora in the UK, especially among the medical fraternity, is mourning the loss. “Pratik was more than a colleague; he was a friend and a father trying to do right by his family,” said Dr. Meena Chauhan, who worked alongside him at St. George’s Hospital in London. “He was so excited they were finally joining him. It’s just incomprehensible.”

Back home in Vadodara, grief has swept through the neighbourhood. Friends and family gathered at the now shuttered family home, still echoing with recent packing sounds. A neighbour, clutching the last family photograph, said, “They were finally going to be together. They had waited so long.”

In a world fixated on the future, this family’s tale serves as a profound reminder to value the present—to embrace life, to express love, and to never delay happiness.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, with the national title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his contributions to democracy and national development.

Governor Sani, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, faced multiple detentions during the fight for democratic governance. His long-standing commitment to justice and civil rights has earned him widespread respect.

Notably, he is the only serving governor named in this year’s national honors list, as announced by President Tinubu during a joint session of the National Assembly.

Congratulatory messages have poured in for Governor Uba Sani on the recognition.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A devastating tragedy unfolded near Ahmedabad early Thursday morning as AI171, a commercial flight carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after taking off. Authorities have confirmed that there appear to be no survivors.

Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner told The Associated Press that rescue teams at the scene found no signs of life amid the wreckage. “It is with deep regret that we believe all 242 people on board have perished,” he said.

Emergency responders and investigators are working to secure the site and begin efforts to identify the victims. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation officials and forensic teams en route.

The flight, operated by Air India, was en route to London. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke and hearing a loud explosion in the area shortly before dawn.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences via social media, calling the incident “a heartbreaking loss.” Grief counselling and support services have been offered to the families of those on board.

More updates will follow as the investigation continues.

By Maryam Ahmad

Anti-migrant riots have spread across parts of Northern Ireland, with violent mobs attacking police and targeting migrant communities.

Clashes erupted in several towns, leaving police vehicles damaged and officers injured. The unrest, sparked by anti-immigrant rhetoric online, began in a Belfast suburb and quickly spread.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland condemned the violence and confirmed multiple arrests. Community leaders and rights groups have called for calm and urged protection for vulnerable communities.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A wave of violent attacks across Plateau State over the past week has claimed the lives of at least 41 people, with dozens more reportedly wounded, local sources and security officials have confirmed.

In what residents describe as a series of coordinated assaults, a total of 96 homes were set ablaze in several communities, displacing scores of families and raising fresh concerns over the escalating insecurity in the region.

The attacks, which spanned multiple local government areas, are believed to be part of ongoing communal clashes and reprisal violence that have plagued the state for years. Eyewitnesses recount harrowing scenes of gunfire, arson, and panic as armed assailants descended on their villages under the cover of darkness.

Authorities say security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas, but locals continue to express frustration over what they perceive as a slow or inadequate response to the violence.

While the Plateau State Government has condemned the attacks and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, humanitarian agencies are calling for urgent relief efforts to support the growing number of displaced persons.

As of the time of this report, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks. Investigations are ongoing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has dismissed media reports claiming the collapse of a potential forward sale of crude oil involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

In a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the government acknowledged market speculation around the deal but clarified that no final decision had been made.

It described reports of the initiative’s failure as “unfounded.”

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to exploring transparent and fiscally responsible financing options to maximize Nigeria’s oil resources, boost external liquidity, and enhance economic stability.

Authorities reassured stakeholders that innovative strategies remain underway to strengthen the nation’s financial outlook.

No further details were provided on the status of the proposed crude oil sale.

By Uzair Adam 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed two interlocutory motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the case challenging Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central.

A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Hamman Barka, unanimously struck out the motions after Akpabio’s legal team withdrew them. The court also awarded N100,000 in costs against the Appellant.

The ruling, delivered on May 21 and made available to reporters on Wednesday, involved motions dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, identified as CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025.

Akpabio was listed as the Appellant in the appeal, while the Respondents included Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuem, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Akpabio’s lawyers had sought the appellate court’s permission to extend the time to appeal a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, delivered on March 10, 2025, in a suit involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and others. 

They also asked for leave to file a notice of appeal against the ruling, citing mixed law and fact grounds.

Ultimately, the appellate court struck out both motions, upholding the objections raised and awarding costs against Akpabio.

By Uzair Adam 

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a former advisor to Donald Trump, admitted on Wednesday that he went too far in some of his social media criticisms of the US president after their public fallout last week.

“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk posted on his social media platform X.

Musk’s apology came just days after Trump warned the billionaire of “serious consequences” if he tried to punish Republican lawmakers who supported a controversial spending bill.

Their dramatic split played out on social media last Thursday, when Musk harshly criticised Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” spending bill, which Congress is considering.

Some Republican lawmakers opposed the bill and urged Musk, a major Republican financial backer in last year’s presidential election, to fund primary challenges against those who voted for it.

“He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” Trump, who called Musk “disrespectful,” told NBC News on Saturday, though he did not specify the consequences.

By Uzair Adam 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to Senator Ali Ndume following his recent remarks suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could face the same electoral fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2027 if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the statement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.

Responding to his remarks, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, on Tuesday acknowledged Ndume’s longstanding role within the party but stressed that discipline within the party is of utmost importance.

“Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has aired his views publicly about how the country is being governed by his party, sometimes expressing dissent or contrary opinions,” Ibrahim said.

He continued, “However, the APC is a party of liberal-minded people. We do not reject diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution.”

Ibrahim reiterated that while the APC upholds internal democracy and freedom of expression, members are expected to operate within the party’s defined limits.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a technical committee to probe the recent fire incident at the GSM Market, Farm Centre, and oversee reconstruction efforts.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday, said the committee was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, who represented the State Governor.

Ibrahim stressed the importance of transparency in donations and cautioned against politicizing the relief efforts.

He directed that all donations be made through the Committee or the designated Zenith Bank account (Account Name: FARM CENTRE GSM MARKET FIRE INCIDENCE SUPPORT FUNDS ACCOUNT; Account Number: 1310076187).

The committee, chaired by Alhaji Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties, comprises representatives from key ministries, security agencies, traders’ associations, and the private sector.

Other members include the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; officials from the Kano State Fire Service; Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs; Director of Treasury; State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); Nigeria Police Force; KNUPDA; Farm Centre GSM Traders’ Association; Department of State Services (DSS); Kano State Investment and Properties; KACCIMA; as well as local government officials, special advisers, and senior stakeholders.

Abdulkadir Shehu AGS-HOC serves as the Committee Secretary.The committee’s mandate covers investigating the fire’s cause, assessing damages and any loss of life, reviewing emergency response and current safety measures, and proposing preventive strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future.

It will also gather testimonies from victims and witnesses, compile a verified list of those affected, review the market layout in line with urban safety standards, and propose a framework for improved market management.

The committee will manage all donations and is expected to submit a detailed report within a week.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to assisting victims and rebuilding the market in a safer and more organized way, urging all stakeholders to support the committee’s work.