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By Uzair Adam

A former Kano State governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the killing of no fewer than 27 people in Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, describing the attack as barbaric and another tragic chapter in Nigeria’s history.

Kwankwaso, in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, expressed deep concern over the incident, saying the senseless bloodshed underscores the persistent failure of leadership and the growing culture of impunity that has turned parts of the country into what he called “killing fields.”

The former governor said the recurring violence in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria should no longer be treated as routine incidents, stressing that the situation demands urgent attention as a national emergency.

“The barbaric attack on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which claimed the lives of no fewer than 27 Nigerians and left many others injured, is yet another tragic and shameful chapter in our nation’s history,” he said.

Kwankwaso added that the continued attacks on communities highlight the urgent need for decisive leadership and stronger measures to protect lives and property across the country.

According to him, Nigerians deserve to live in peace, security and dignity regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

The former minister of defence also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and residents of the affected community.

“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Gari Ya Waye community in this moment of profound grief,” he said.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has denounced the alleged assault on Albarka Radio reporter, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers during the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, located in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to the organisation, in a statement signed by the Executive Director of CITAD, YZ Ya’u, the incident occurred while the journalist was on assignment to cover the event.

He was reportedly stopped by police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, Jamilu Kabir. Although he identified himself and made efforts to reach the designated media section, officers allegedly attacked him.

The assault left him with head injuries and compelled him to seek medical care.

CITAD described the development as “a grave violation of press freedom and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.”

The group stressed that journalists remain vital to public awareness and accountability. It added that any form of intimidation or harm against media professionals weakens democratic governance and undermines the rule of law.

The organisation also noted that the incident reflects a broader concern. It stated that cases of harassment and violence against journalists by security personnel have become frequent.

According to CITAD, such actions create fear and hinder the ability of the media to function independently.

“We therefore call for:

1. An immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident.


2. The identification and prosecution of all officers involved in the assault.


3. Adequate compensation and protection for the assaulted journalist.


4. Clear directives and training for security agencies to respect and protect journalists in the course of their duties.”



CITAD further urged the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to act decisively to address what it described as a growing pattern of attacks on journalists and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The organisation emphasized that Nigeria must remain a country where journalists can perform their duties without fear.

It maintained that protecting press freedom is essential for the preservation of democracy and the rights of citizens.

Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, has called on citizens to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The former minister of aviation is among the 65 ambassadors recently cleared for deployment earlier in March.

In a statement released on Friday, Fani-Kayode extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and abroad. He also expressed optimism about the current administration, stating that “Tinubu is on the right path to transform the nation”.

Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of the Ramadan fast observed by Muslims worldwide.

Fani-Kayode encouraged Nigerians to uphold the values practiced during Ramadan, such as patience, compassion, generosity, and unity. He stressed that these qualities are important for peaceful coexistence and national unity, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

The envoy also voiced confidence in the country’s future under Tinubu’s leadership. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to good governance and national development.

He offered prayers for peace, stability, and progress in the country, while wishing Muslims a happy Eid celebration.

United States President Donald Trump has criticised NATO members for failing to support Washington and Israel in the ongoing war with Iran, as tensions continue to disrupt global energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely inaccessible amid the conflict. The waterway is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. The situation has raised concerns across international markets, with no clear end to the fighting.

In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump described NATO countries as “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”

He faulted the alliance for refusing to participate in the military effort against Iran. He also accused them of complaining about rising oil prices despite staying out of the conflict.

“Now that fight is militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to ⁠pay, but don’t want to help open ⁠the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so ⁠little risk,” he wrote.

Trump has repeatedly urged key allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iranian control. Many of those countries were not consulted before the war began.

The conflict, which started on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has caused widespread destruction. Thousands of people have died, while millions have been displaced. It has also triggered instability in global financial markets.

Amid the developments, NATO confirmed it is modifying its mission in Iraq. This followed reports that personnel had been temporarily withdrawn due to the security situation.

“We can confirm that we are adjusting our posture in the context of NATO Mission Iraq,” alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said.

NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, also confirmed that mission personnel in Iraq had been relocated to Europe.

“I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” the statement reads.

European leaders have, however, signalled reluctance to join the conflict. Speaking after a European Union summit in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for diplomacy.

“I have ‌not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict – quite the opposite.”

He added that respecting international law and reducing tensions remained “the best we can do”.

The war has dominated discussions among European leaders, especially its impact on energy prices. Reports indicate that there is no unified position within the European Union on how to respond to the crisis.

Officials have warned that energy costs may continue to rise in the coming months, as uncertainty persists over supply routes and market stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The federal government has announced Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays in celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday.

Eid-el-Fitr is observed by Muslims worldwide to mark the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

In his message, the minister congratulated Muslims on completing the fasting period. He urged them to continue to reflect the values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice associated with Ramadan.

He also encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period to offer prayers for peace, unity, and progress in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19th March, and Friday, 20th March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement reads.

“While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the Minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.”

Tunji-Ojo further advised citizens to celebrate in a responsible manner and show kindness to vulnerable members of society.

He added that the federal government remains focused on strengthening national unity and ensuring peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Air Force has confirmed the loss of a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft during operations over western Iraq, though it stated the incident was not the result of hostile action.

In a statement late Thursday, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) said one of its KC-135 aircraft went down during what it described as Operation Epic Fury. The operation involved two aircraft.

“One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely,” CENTCOM stated.



The military emphasized that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, and added that rescue efforts for the crew were ongoing.

“This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the statement read. “More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”



However, Shia armed groups operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft. In a statement posted on Telegram, the group said its fighters targeted the U.S. refueling plane while defending Iraqi airspace.

> “Protecting our country and its airspace, supporters of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq downed the KC-135 plane of the U.S. Air Force,” the statement said.



The group did not specify the weapon used but claimed it deployed “suitable weapons”. It also asserted responsibility for a second attack on another U.S. aircraft, which, according to the statement, successfully landed.

> “Protecting our country and its airspace, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked another KC-135 plane, but its crew managed to escape and land the aircraft at an airfield of the enemy,” the group said.



The U.S. military has not confirmed these claims. CENTCOM has also not released further details regarding the crew aboard the downed plane or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a vital refueling aircraft that allows U.S. combat and support planes to operate at extended ranges. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Iran-aligned militias and U.S. forces have exchanged threats and attacks in recent weeks.

Security analysts noted that conflicting accounts of the incident highlight the increasing volatility of the region’s airspace. Shia militias in Iraq have previously targeted U.S. bases and military assets, citing the goal of ending the American military presence in the country.

By Uzair Adam

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that Iran’s next supreme leader would not remain in power for long without Washington’s approval, as Tehran prepares to announce a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Nine days after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on his compound killed Khamenei and triggered a wider Middle East conflict, Iran’s Assembly of Experts met behind closed doors and selected a new leader, members of the body said.

The clerics did not disclose the identity of the chosen candidate but indicated that an announcement would be made soon. Some members suggested that Khamenei’s 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could succeed his father.

Trump had earlier insisted that the United States should have a say in the decision and described Mojtaba Khamenei as an unacceptable “lightweight.”

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump said in an interview with ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the suggestion, saying the leadership decision was solely Iran’s internal matter.

Speaking on Meet the Press on NBC, Araghchi also called on Trump to “apologise to people of the region” over the escalating war.

Mojtaba Khamenei is widely viewed as a hardline conservative, partly because of his close ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Israel’s military has already issued a warning to any incoming Iranian leader, saying it would not hesitate to target them if necessary.

Israel demonstrated its military reach overnight with two new operations — air strikes on fuel depots in and around Tehran and an attack on a hotel in Beirut believed to house suspected Iranian commanders.

Warplanes hit five oil facilities near the Iranian capital, killing at least four people, according to a state oil executive, and sending thick smoke across the city.

Tehran’s governor told the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency that fuel distribution in the capital had been temporarily disrupted.

A dense haze covered the city of about 10 million people, blocking sunlight as the smell of burning fuel filled the air.

Authorities warned that the smoke could be toxic and advised residents to remain indoors, although many buildings had their windows shattered by the force of the explosions.

A 35-year-old resident said the fire had been burning for more than 12 hours and that the air had become difficult to breathe.

“At first, I supported this war. After Khamenei’s death, I celebrated with my friends,” she said in a message sent to Europe. “But since yesterday, people say there is no gasoline left at the stations.”

As the conflict entered its ninth day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had enough supplies to sustain missile and drone operations across the Middle East for up to six months.

Explosions were also reported over Israel’s commercial hub of Tel Aviv after the Israeli military detected a barrage of Iranian missiles. The emergency service Magen David Adom said six people were wounded in central Israel.

Trump again declined to rule out deploying U.S. ground troops in Iran but insisted the war was close to being won despite continued Iranian attacks.

The U.S. president also spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, according to Downing Street, after previously criticising him over Britain’s involvement in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said the country had so far used only first- and second-generation missiles but would soon deploy more advanced long-range weapons.

The conflict has also affected other countries in the region. Authorities in Saudi Arabia said a projectile killed two people and injured 12 in Al Kharj province after a wave of drones was intercepted near the capital Riyadh.

Kuwait reported damage to fuel tanks at its international airport, while Bahrain said a desalination plant had been hit.

Iran’s health ministry said at least 1,200 civilians had been killed and about 10,000 wounded in the war, although the figures could not be independently verified.

In Lebanon, the health ministry reported that at least 394 people had been killed in Israeli air strikes since the country was drawn into the conflict, including dozens of women and children.

Two Israeli soldiers were also killed during clashes in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military.

Analysts say there is still no clear path to ending the conflict, which U.S. and Israeli officials believe could last for several weeks.

Trump suggested Iran’s economy could be rebuilt if a leader acceptable to Washington replaces Khamenei.

Meanwhile, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi warned that the war should never have occurred, saying the world “cannot return to the law of the jungle.”

During his Sunday prayer, Pope Leo XIV also called for peace, urging that “the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and space for dialogue may open.”

A commentary by Mustapha Gembu has rejected claims that St. Mary Catholic Cathedral in Wukari, Taraba State, was deliberately burned, insisting that the incident was a fire outbreak and not a religious attack.

According to the piece, the cathedral was destroyed by fire on March 4, 2026, and some individuals and platforms later misrepresented the incident as Muslims burning a church.

The article cites the Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Fr. John Laikei, who said the fire began shortly after electricity was restored in the area and that the exact cause had not yet been determined.

The author also criticised the spread of what he described as misleading narratives internationally, particularly claims presented to U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, arguing that the situation remains under investigation and that there is no evidence anyone intentionally burned the church.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH following the confirmed sighting of the new moon.

The announcement was contained in a press release signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.

According to the statement, reports from various National Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirmed the sighting of the new moon on Tuesday, 17th February, which marked the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.

Accepting the reports, the Sultan, who is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), officially declared Wednesday as the first day of the holy month.

The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and prayed for Allah’s guidance and blessings throughout the period. He urged all Muslims to use the season to pray for peace, progress, and development of the nation.

He wished all Muslims a happy and blessed Ramadan Kareem, praying that Allah (SWT) accepts all religious deeds.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on the anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, describing the occasion as an important landmark in the country’s contemporary history.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria extends warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution,” the statement read.

Nigeria said the commemoration reflects Iran’s “enduring commitment to sovereignty and national development.”

The ministry stated that Nigeria acknowledges the importance of the anniversary to Iranians. It also recognised their “continued pursuit of progress, stability and prosperity.”

According to the statement, Nigeria and Iran have sustained diplomatic relations for more than five decades. It explained that the relationship has been anchored on mutual respect, shared interests and constructive engagement.

The ministry added that both nations continue to work together at bilateral and multilateral levels. Their cooperation covers political, economic, cultural and technical fields. It said this engagement demonstrates a shared dedication to peaceful collaboration and global partnership.

Nigeria used the occasion to restate its resolve to deepen diplomatic relations with Iran through dialogue and mutually rewarding cooperation.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria conveys its best wishes to the Government and people of Iran for continued peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement added.