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Two Siblings Burnt to Death as Fire Destroys Makeshift Homes in Rivers State, Nigeria

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Simeon
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RUMUOLA, Rivers State (BN24)— Tragedy struck the Rumuola axis of Obio/Akpor local government area on Sunday night as a fire tore through makeshift buildings, killing two young siblings and leaving more than 27 families homeless. The victims, aged nine and five, were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno that destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

Eyewitnesses said the fire began around 10 p.m. in one of the rooms of a makeshift structure where a mother had temporarily locked her four children before leaving to buy ingredients for cooking. Two of the children were asleep, while the older siblings remained awake when the blaze started.

Contrary to viral social media claims, which suggested the fire occurred inside the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, witnesses confirmed the fire originated in makeshift homes located behind the school. The structures, described as poorly constructed and densely occupied, were destroyed, leaving many families homeless.

“It is a makeshift building behind the school. It is a gory site. I am standing beside two children who have lost their lives in this fire. Their bodies have been covered,” one eyewitness said, expressing grief over the loss.

Another witness, who gave his name only as Meg, provided additional details. “The fire started in the room of the woman who lost her two children. She was cooking at around 10 p.m. and had locked the door before going out to buy some items. When she returned, the fire had spread rapidly. The older children tried to save their younger siblings but were forced to escape because of the intense heat. Unfortunately, the younger ones could not be rescued.”

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of the elder children banging on doors and screaming for help before eventually finding a way to escape, while their younger siblings, aged six and eight, were trapped inside and burnt beyond recognition.

Neighbors and passers-by said they alerted the fire service after seeing thick black smoke rising into the night sky. Firefighters arrived, though reportedly delayed, and succeeded in extinguishing the flames, preventing the blaze from spreading further.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the fire outbreak and the deaths of the children. “From the situation report I received, the children were aged nine and five years. We have started an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. The woman, the mother of the children, has been invited for questioning as part of our investigation,” she said.

The disaster has rendered dozens of families homeless, with many losing their possessions, furniture, and household items in the fire. Local authorities have appealed to the public for support to assist the displaced families and urged residents of informal settlements to exercise caution, particularly around open flames and cooking equipment.

Residents expressed outrage at the vulnerability of families living in makeshift buildings. One neighbor lamented, “These structures are crowded and unsafe. We need government intervention to prevent further tragedies like this.”

The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved fire safety measures and emergency response preparedness in informal settlements across Rivers State. Investigators are working to determine whether negligence, faulty cooking equipment, or other factors led to the deadly blaze.

Champions League Streaker Kinsey Wolanski Reinvents Herself as a Qualified Pilot and Extreme Sports Enthusiast

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Simeon
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LOS ANGELES (BN24)— Kinsey Wolanski, the American influencer who became a global sensation after streaking onto the pitch during the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, has charted a remarkable new path as a professional pilot and extreme sports enthusiast.

At 29, Wolanski has left behind the chaos of her viral moment at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, where she ran across the field in a revealing outfit during Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham. The stunt, orchestrated to promote a website associated with her then-partner, YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, earned her a brief stint in a Spanish holding cell but also dramatically increased her online following from several hundred thousand to over two million.

Now, Wolanski channels her thrill-seeking energy into aviation and extreme sports. She has earned dual ratings as both a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilot, logging more than 100 hours of flight training and passing multiple examinations to achieve certification. She frequently shares videos of her aerial adventures on Instagram, where 3.7 million followers watch her navigate skies, perform maneuvers, and explore remote locations from above.

Her commitment to adventure extends to skydiving, though it has come with dangers. In 2020, she suffered a broken ankle after a hard landing during a jump in windy conditions. Wolanski embraces such risks as part of her pursuit of adrenaline and personal growth, describing both aviation and skydiving as disciplines that demand intense focus, resilience, and preparation.

While her viral pitch invasion was initially encouraged by Zdorovetskiy, tensions developed as Wolanski’s fame eclipsed that of her partner. She has described the imbalance in recognition and opportunities as a strain on their relationship, which eventually ended. Zdorovetskiy has since encountered legal issues abroad connected to a livestream incident.

Today, Wolanski is in a relationship with fitness influencer Vince Sant, who frequently appears in her aviation posts. Together, they share a life centered on adventure, fitness, and public engagement with fans.

In addition to aviation, Wolanski has established herself as a sports presenter, covering NFL content and collaborating with personalities across baseball, MMA, and professional wrestling. She has appeared alongside Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and co-hosts the sports show Arena Gridiron with former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, demonstrating her ability to leverage her platform beyond social media.

Before her viral moment, Wolanski had already modeled for prestigious publications, including Sports Illustrated and Maxim. Reflecting on her streaking incident, she maintains a sense of humor and perspective, noting that despite the controversy, it opened unexpected career doors, creating opportunities in media, sports, and aviation that may not have existed otherwise. She insists her intentions were never harmful, and she views the episode as a stepping stone rather than a defining scandal.

Wolanski’s journey illustrates how a single viral event can transform into a long-term platform for personal reinvention. From a brief moment on a football pitch to commanding aircraft in the sky and reporting on professional sports, she has leveraged her notoriety to pursue challenges that test her limits, inspire followers, and redefine her public image.

Benin National Assembly Approves Seven-Year Presidential Term and Bicameral Parliament

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Simeon
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PORTO-NOVO, Benin (BN24)—The National Assembly of Benin has approved a landmark constitutional reform extending the presidential term from five to seven years and establishing a bicameral legislature, a move seen as a significant shift in the West African nation’s political framework.

The reform was passed during a plenary session at the Palace of the Governors in Porto-Novo, where 90 deputies voted in favor and 19 opposed. The measure amends the Constitution of December 11, 1990, which was previously revised in 2019.

“The Deputies of the 9th Legislature… adopted by 90 votes for and 19 against, the law modifying the Constitution of the Republic of Bénin,” the Assembly said in a statement shared on Facebook. The post, originally published in French, was translated into English for reporting purposes.

Before the final secret ballot, deputies had secured a three-quarters majority in a preliminary vote, with 87 votes in favor and 22 against. According to the Assembly, the constitutional reform introduces 15 new articles and amends 18 existing ones, reflecting broad structural changes to the nation’s governance system.

A central feature of the reform is the amended Article 42, which now stipulates that “The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of seven years, renewable only once. No one may, in his or her lifetime, serve more than two terms as President of the Republic.” This change effectively extends the maximum tenure of a president from ten to 14 years, altering the rhythm of national elections and potentially reshaping political competition in the country.

In addition, the reform establishes a Senate as outlined in the updated Article 79, creating a bicameral parliament alongside the existing National Assembly. Both chambers will exercise legislative authority and hold oversight powers over government actions, providing an additional layer of checks and balances. The Senate is formally defined under Article 113.1 as a body responsible for regulating political life and safeguarding national unity, development, territorial defense, public security, democracy, and peace.

Article 80 also revises the tenure of deputies, setting their terms at seven years, renewable, and adding a clause that any deputy who resigns from the political party that sponsored them during elections will automatically lose their mandate. This provision aims to strengthen party cohesion and prevent political defection.

Local governance structures are affected as well. The reform extends the tenure of mayors and municipal councilors to seven years, renewable, aligning local electoral cycles with national legislative and presidential terms.

The constitutional overhaul has sparked debate within Benin and across the region. Supporters argue that the changes provide political stability and continuity, while critics warn that longer terms for elected officials could concentrate power and weaken democratic accountability. Observers note that the introduction of a bicameral legislature could create both opportunities for more rigorous legislative scrutiny and challenges in political coordination.

The reform marks one of the most significant adjustments to Benin’s political structure in decades, underscoring the evolving nature of governance in the country and its efforts to balance executive authority with legislative oversight.

Credit: PUNCH.COM

Storm Claudia Kills Three in Portugal, Sparks Flooding Across Britain

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Simeon
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LISBON, Portugal (BN24)— Storm Claudia has left a trail of destruction across Portugal and parts of Britain, killing three people, injuring dozens, and triggering severe flooding, authorities said Saturday.

In Portugal, rescue teams discovered the bodies of an elderly couple inside their flooded home in Fernao Ferro, located across the River Tagus from Lisbon. Authorities said the couple had apparently been asleep when rising waters engulfed their home, leaving them unable to escape.

Later on Thursday, a tornado struck Albufeira in southern Portugal. Emergency services reported that the tornado destroyed caravans at a local camping site, killing an 85-year-old British woman. Twenty-eight people were injured at a nearby hotel, two of whom remained hospitalized with serious injuries. Regional civil protection commander Vitor Vaz Pinto confirmed the casualties.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a statement expressing “his solidarity with the family of the victim who died” in Albufeira and wished a swift recovery for those injured. Meanwhile, the Portuguese weather service IPMA placed the Algarve region, as well as the districts of Beja and Setubal, on amber alert, its second-highest warning level.

Storm Claudia has also affected neighboring Spain, with authorities reporting days of extreme weather conditions. By Saturday, the storm had reached Britain and Ireland, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

In Britain, severe flooding hit Monmouth and the surrounding areas in southeastern Wales. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported ongoing rescues, evacuations, and welfare checks as water levels continued to rise. A Welsh government spokesperson noted that “Storm Claudia has caused significant flooding in parts of Wales overnight, which continues to affect homes, businesses, transport, and energy infrastructure.”

Aerial footage from Monmouth showed streets and residential areas submerged after a nearby river burst its banks. Natural Resources Wales has issued 11 flood warnings, including four severe warnings, and 17 flood alerts to mitigate risks to residents.

Across England, the Environment Agency reported 49 active flood warnings and 134 flood alerts, signaling widespread disruption in communities and public services. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and follow local safety instructions.

As Storm Claudia continues to move across Europe, emergency services in affected regions remain on high alert, coordinating relief efforts and monitoring rivers and coastal areas for further flooding risks. The storm underscores the growing challenges extreme weather events pose to communities across the continent.

Credit: REUTERS

Nine Killed in Accidental Blast at Police Station in Indian-Administered Kashmir, Officials Say

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Simeon
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SRINAGAR, India (BN24)— A late-night explosion caused by the accidental detonation of seized explosives ripped through a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday, killing nine people and injuring 32 others, authorities said, in one of the region’s deadliest non-combat blasts in recent years.

The explosion occurred at 11:20 p.m. at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, where officers had been handling a stockpile of explosives seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in the northern Indian state of Haryana. Police officials said the materials were being prepared for transfer to forensic experts when a mishap triggered the blast.

Nalin Prabhat, the region’s director general of police, described the event as “very unfortunate,” stressing that it occurred during routine procedures. He said the explosion unfolded abruptly, leaving officers with no opportunity to intervene. Authorities emphasized that the detonation was accidental and unrelated to terrorism. “Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary,” Prabhat told journalists.

The blast sent a shockwave through the police compound, leveling parts of the station and inflicting heavy damage on adjoining structures. According to police, the force of the explosion engulfed several vehicles, leaving them charred and mangled. Debris was scattered widely, and fragments from the detonation reached residential areas surrounding the complex.

A source speaking to Reuters said the blast was so powerful that body parts were found in homes located 100 to 200 meters from the station. Most of the victims were police personnel who had been working inside or around the structure at the time. Among the dead were forensic specialists and two crime-scene photographers tasked with processing the seized material. A tailor accompanying the forensic team also died in the explosion.

Medical teams and emergency responders arrived quickly, moving the injured to hospitals across Srinagar as officers cordoned off the site and began preliminary assessments. The police station was left with extensive structural damage that officials said will require a full technical evaluation.

Manoj Sinha, the region’s lieutenant governor appointed by the federal government, expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities and injuries. In a statement posted on social media, he extended condolences to grieving families. He announced that a formal probe had been ordered to determine the precise circumstances leading to the accidental detonation. “Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to an extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam police station in Srinagar,” he wrote. “I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The incident occurred days after a car explosion in Delhi killed several people, an event the government labeled a terrorist attack. Officials in Kashmir, however, underscored that Friday’s blast bore no connection to terrorism and resulted solely from a mishandling of confiscated explosives.

UEFA hit Marseille with partial stadium closure over fan trouble

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Simeon
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PARIS, (BN24) — UEFA has imposed a partial stadium closure on Marseille for their next Champions League home match, issuing the punishment after a series of disruptive incidents involving supporters during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Atalanta earlier this month.

The governing body announced on Saturday that the sanctions resulted from crowd trouble at the November 5 match at the Stade Vélodrome, where home fans set off flares, threw projectiles onto the pitch, and directed laser pointers at players. UEFA said the actions constituted clear violations of its safety and disciplinary regulations, prompting immediate review and enforcement measures.

In addition to the restrictions on attendance, UEFA fined Marseille 71,000 euros. The penalty requires the club to close a section of the south stand for their Champions League fixture against Newcastle on November 25. The affected area typically houses some of the most vocal supporters in the stadium, and its closure is expected to significantly reduce the atmosphere that Marseille relies on in high-pressure European matches. The decision comes at a critical point in the group stage, with the club already navigating a challenging campaign and now facing a diminished home advantage.

UEFA also disciplined Marseille’s goalkeeping coach, Alexandre Salvat, issuing a two-match ban after he was found to have insulted a match official during the Atalanta game. The suspension removes him from the touchline for the next two European matches, limiting his involvement in preparations and in-game management during a crucial period of the competition. The ruling adds to the club’s disciplinary burden at a time when their conduct, both on the field and in the stands, has drawn repeated scrutiny.

The latest sanctions heighten pressure on Marseille as they work to contain supporter behavior that has contributed to multiple disciplinary issues this season. The club now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing performance in European competition while addressing concerns within its fan base to prevent further penalties that could impact both sporting results and the club’s reputation.

Nearly 70 schools in Australia closed over asbestos risk in play sand

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Simeon
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CANBERRA, Australia (BN24)— Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday after authorities discovered that coloured play sand used in classrooms may contain asbestos. The closures follow a voluntary recall of the product by major retailers Kmart and Target and a government audit that found the sand is widely used across ACT public schools.

The ACT government identified 69 schools that stock the affected sand. These schools will remain closed to allow authorities to conduct safety assessments, clean-up, and remediation. An additional 23 schools will stay open. Of those, three have small amounts of the sand, which officials said are isolated and not affecting classroom activities, while the remaining 20 do not use any craft sand products.

“In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff, and community, we have decided to close some schools that have this product,” the government said in a statement.

The announcement comes after similar closures on Friday and national guidance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regarding Kadink Decorative Sand, another product used in schools that was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.

Authorities emphasized that the recall is precautionary, based on preliminary results. More comprehensive scientific testing is underway to determine the full extent of contamination. Regulatory authorities have advised schools to stop using any identified sand products and follow recall and disposal instructions.

“Regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimize any potential risk,” the government said. Officials added that the risk to human health from exposure to the sand is currently assessed as low and that clinical assessments are not required for those who may have been in contact with the products.

Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry, a Labor member for Ginninderra, north of Canberra, said authorities continue to monitor the situation and update families and staff.

“I know that this has been worrying for our families and staff,” Berry wrote on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. “Based on currently available information, the risk to human health from exposure to these products is assessed as low. Thank you to our community, we appreciate your patience and your understanding.”

Authorities stated that the audit will continue throughout the week to ensure that all affected products are identified and removed from schools. Parents and staff are being urged to follow official guidance and not attempt to handle any suspected sand themselves.

Coach John Beam dies after being shot at Laney College

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Simeon
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OAKLAND, California (BN24)— Legendary Laney College football coach John Beam died Friday morning after being shot on campus Thursday, the Oakland Police Department said. Authorities announced the arrest of a suspect early Friday.

Beam, who gained national attention on Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” had coached football in the Bay Area for more than 40 years. He stepped down from coaching last year to serve exclusively as Laney College’s athletic director.

The 27-year-old suspect, Cedric Irving, was taken into custody at 3:15 a.m. Friday, after being spotted at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station, police said. Irving matched the description of the person seen fleeing the scene after the shooting at Laney Fieldhouse shortly before noon Thursday. A gun recovered from Irving matched the caliber of casings and rounds collected at the crime scene.

Police said Irving knew Beam but did not have a personal relationship with him. Irving did not attend Laney College nor work there, but went to campus “for a specific reason” and had been known to loiter in the area. Authorities said Irving was not previously known to Oakland police and did not disclose a possible motive.

Beam was hospitalized in critical condition after the shooting and died around 10 a.m. Friday, according to Gloria Beltran of the Oakland Police Department.

Community leaders and colleagues remembered Beam as a mentor and role model. Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies called Beam an “absolutely incredible human being” and said, “Our hearts are aching.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said Beam’s impact went beyond the football field. “Coach John Beam was a giant in Oakland and mentored thousands,” she said at a news conference Friday. “He gave Oakland’s youth their best chance. Coach Beam’s legacy isn’t measured in championships or statistics … it’s measured in the thousands of young people he believed in, mentored and refused to abandon, including my nephew.”

Beam’s death has sent shockwaves through the Bay Area football community and the many students whose lives he touched over decades of coaching and mentorship.

Lieutenant Yerima escapes alleged assassination attempt in Abuja, Nigeria

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Simeon
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ABUJA (BN24)— Nigerian Navy officer Lt. A.M. Yerima, who recently clashed publicly with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt Sunday evening in Abuja, according to military sources familiar with the incident.

Sources told Vanguard that Yerima was driving near the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway when he noticed two unmarked Hilux vans trailing him. The vehicles, described as white, without license plates, and occupied by unidentified men dressed in black, allegedly followed him through the route leading to Gado Nasco Way.

The officer was said to have detected the pursuit early and carried out what a source described as a “strategic maneuver,” allowing him to evade the suspected assailants without confrontation. The incident was reported to have taken place around 6:30 p.m.

Military authorities have launched an investigation, with one source stressing that the case is receiving “the seriousness it deserves.” Officials said additional information is being withheld to avoid jeopardizing ongoing inquiries.

The development comes days after Lt. Yerima was involved in a heated altercation with FCT Minister Wike at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The confrontation, captured in a viral video, drew widespread backlash and triggered intervention from the Presidency, which paused the demolition exercise that led to the dispute.

Following the clash, military veterans across the country condemned Wike’s remarks toward the officer. Many criticized the minister for publicly insulting Yarima and resisted calls for disciplinary action against the naval officer.

Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, said former service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” should any punishment be issued against Yerima. He emphasized that military officers swear allegiance to the nation rather than to individual political figures and argued that the minister should apologize.

He questioned the propriety of Wike’s conduct, asking how a public officeholder could call a commissioned officer “a fool” on camera, saying such behavior undermines national institutions and diminishes the integrity of high office.

Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar later assured the public that no service member acting within the scope of lawful duty would face sanctions over the altercation. Speaking at a ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Defence College, he reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting personnel performing authorized duties.

“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” Badaru said. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.” Veterans had previously signaled readiness to mobilize nationwide and occupy the FCT Ministry if Lt. Yerima was subjected to disciplinary measures.

United Airline flight forced to make emergency landing in St. Louis after passenger made bomb threat

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admin
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A United Airlines flight traveling from Dallas to Chicago made an emergency landing in St. Louis on Sunday morning after a passenger allegedly threatened that a bomb was in his wife’s luggage, prompting a security scare that halted the flight mid-route and triggered a law enforcement response on the ground.

United flight 380, which departed Dallas at 6:57 a.m., diverted to Lambert St. Louis International Airport shortly before 8:40 a.m. after crew members alerted authorities to the reported threat. A male passenger was taken into custody after telling others there was a bomb inside his wife’s bag, according to sources who spoke with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Airport director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge said the aircraft was met by emergency personnel before passengers were evacuated onto the concourse as the bomb and arson unit began inspecting the jet.

More than two hours after landing, investigators were still searching the aircraft, Hamm-Niebruegge said, while confirming there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew. United said in a statement that the aircraft landed “to address a potential security concern” and that law enforcement had searched and cleared the plane. The airline added that the flight was expected to continue on to Chicago later in the afternoon once authorities completed their work.

The incident occurred less than two weeks after a separate bomb threat on a United flight traveling from Houston to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4, which resulted in a temporary ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that the Federal Aviation Administration ultimately issued an all clear.

The latest scare comes as U.S. travelers continue to face widespread delays following a prolonged government shutdown that concluded last week after more than 40 days. Thousands of flights were canceled nationwide after the FAA ordered a 10 percent reduction in air traffic when unpaid air traffic controllers began missing shifts, forcing the agency to restrict operations to prevent safety risks. The shortage of controllers has persisted for years, and multiple presidential administrations have asked retirement-age controllers to remain on duty to maintain staffing levels.

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