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Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Another 40 Farmers Killed, Dozens Abducted

At least 40 farmers were killed in the Dumba community of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State, Nigeria, following an attack by militants believed to be members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attack, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, left dozens missing, with reports suggesting some were abducted by the assailants. 

People attend a funeral for those killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in Zaabarmar, Nigeria, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. Nigerian officials say suspected members of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram have killed at least 40 rice farmers and fishermen while they were harvesting crops in northern Borno State. The attack was staged Saturday in a rice field in Garin Kwashebe, a Borno community known for rice farming. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)

Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday, saying, “Initial reports indicate about 40 farmers have been killed, while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families.” 

The attack came less than 24 hours after two people were killed and a church was set ablaze in a similar attack in Chibok, a community in southern Borno. 

Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric” and urging military forces to track down the insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region, including Dumba and surrounding enclaves. 

Sources revealed that the victims were attacked after venturing beyond military-designated security tracks, which were created to prevent civilians from straying into areas controlled by Boko Haram or ISWAP. 

The Kukawa area has been a recurring target of Boko Haram since 2014, with multiple attacks devastating the region. In December 2019, the militants attacked Baga, the headquarters of Kukawa Local Government, in a violent operation that left scores dead and thousands displaced. 

In his statement, Governor Zulum expressed sorrow over the killings, urging residents to adhere to designated “safe corridors” established by the military to ensure their safety. 

“The government has clearly demarcated land for safe farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing unsafe areas. Citizens should avoid venturing into dangerous zones,” the governor emphasized. 

Zulum also praised the armed forces for their ongoing efforts to secure territories for farming and resettlement as part of the government’s long-term strategy to rebuild lives and livelihoods. 

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized that military operations, including airstrikes, are conducted with precision to avoid civilian casualties. Musa made this statement following allegations of accidental killings during recent airstrikes in Zamfara State. 

“Before any airstrike is conducted, we follow strict protocols and use precision to avoid targeting civilians,” he said in an interview with Arise News. 

Musa also raised concerns about the tactics employed by terrorists, who have resorted to impregnating women to raise a new generation of fighters. 

The Nigerian government is collaborating with international organizations, including the United Nations and European Union, to trace and cut off funding sources for terrorist groups. 

“Locally, we believe they are funded through taxes, levies, kidnapping, and other illegal activities,” Musa said, adding that coordinated efforts are underway to mitigate terrorism financing. 

The military is preparing legal action against Reuters over allegations of forced abortions during counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast. Gen. Musa criticized the report, describing it as baseless and damaging to the country’s armed forces. 

The House of Representatives Committee on Army has assured the Nigerian Army of adequate financial support in the 2025 budget to address insecurity. Committee Chair Aminu Balele praised the Army’s 2024 budget performance, noting a 99% implementation rate. 

China Explores Possible TikTok U.S. Sale to Elon Musk: Bloomberg

Chinese officials are reportedly exploring the potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk, according to *Bloomberg News*. The move is being considered as a contingency plan if the short-video app is unable to avoid a looming ban in the United States. 

Sources cited in the report indicate that Beijing would prefer TikTok to remain under the control of its parent company, ByteDance. However, the escalating scrutiny and national security concerns from U.S. lawmakers may push the company toward alternative solutions, including a sale. 

The report suggests that TikTok’s U.S. operations could be sold either through a competitive bidding process or via a government-directed arrangement, signaling that ByteDance may no longer have full control over the app’s future. 

China’s government holds a “golden share” in ByteDance, which gives it partial influence over the company. Critics, including members of Congress, have argued that this stake provides Beijing with leverage over TikTok, fueling bipartisan concerns about the platform’s operations in the U.S. 

One option reportedly under consideration involves Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), taking control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. The report claims that X and TikTok could operate jointly under Musk’s leadership, although no consensus has been reached within Chinese government circles about this plan. 

It is unclear how much ByteDance is aware of these discussions or whether Musk and TikTok have been involved in any preliminary negotiations regarding a possible deal. 

A TikTok spokesperson dismissed the report, saying, “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.” The company has previously maintained that the Chinese government’s “golden share” has no influence over its global operations outside of China, including TikTok. 

Requests for comment from Elon Musk, ByteDance, X, and China’s Cyberspace Administration and Ministry of Commerce have gone unanswered as of now. 

The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, as the platform continues to face mounting pressure from lawmakers and federal agencies. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court appeared inclined to uphold legislation that could either force ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or result in a nationwide ban of the app by January 19. 

U.S. officials have expressed concerns that TikTok’s ownership structure could allow the Chinese government to access user data or influence content, allegations that TikTok has consistently denied. 

While no formal decisions have been made, the potential sale of TikTok U.S. to Musk would mark a dramatic development in the ongoing saga surrounding the app’s future in the United States. Whether such a deal materializes remains uncertain, but with the January 19 deadline looming, TikTok’s fate may soon be decided.

OnlyFans Star Claims Record After Allegedly Sleeping with 1,057 Men in 12 Hours 

OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue claims she has broken a controversial record by allegedly engaging with 1,057 men in 12 hours, surpassing a record purportedly set over two decades ago. 

The adult content creator reportedly achieved the feat during an event in London over the weekend, a publicist told *The Sun*. Leading up to the event, Blue posted videos on social media calling for “boys, dads, and husbands” to participate, urging them to “spare two minutes” to help her reach her goal. 

Blue’s team stated she reached the milestone with “video proof” documenting the event. A documentary crew was also reportedly present to capture the attempt, which will be shared on her platforms in the coming months. 

In a post-event video, Blue expressed satisfaction, saying, “I don’t need a wheelchair. I feel like I had a heavy day in the bedroom, which is exactly what I’ve had.” She explained the event’s logistics, revealing that she began with group interactions before transitioning to “one-on-ones” for efficiency. 

Blue’s claim appears to overshadow a record set by adult star Lisa Sparks, who reportedly engaged with 919 men in 22 hours in 2004. The claim, however, is not recognized by Guinness World Records. 

Blue also surpassed OnlyFans star Lily Phillips, who recently went viral for a documentary showcasing her attempt to engage with 100 men in 14 hours. Phillips had been vocal about her own plans to reach 1,000 men in a single day, stating she was in “training” for the attempt. 

Phillips has not publicly commented on Blue’s alleged accomplishment. 

Blue’s announcement drew significant criticism online, with many questioning the legitimacy of the event. Critics accused her of seeking publicity, while others mocked the claim. 

Responding to detractors, Blue dismissed the criticism with sharp retorts, including a response to someone who told her to “find God.” She replied, “I hope he finds me & fills me up.” 

Despite the backlash, Blue remained unapologetic. “I loved it. Yesterday was a movie day in bed,” she said in one response. 

Many social media users expressed doubt over the practicality of the event, with comments calling it “fake news” or questioning the “mental and physical stamina” required. 

Blue’s feat has sparked discussions on the logistics of such events, with Phillips previously describing the planning involved in similar attempts. “The logistics are insane,” Phillips said during a podcast interview. “It’s hard enough to get 1,000 guys together wanting to [participate]. It’s another thing making sure they all do it in the time limit.” 

While the claims remain unverified, Blue’s alleged record has fueled debate online about the boundaries of adult entertainment and the extreme stunts undertaken by creators for notoriety. 

Russia Accidentally Destroys North Korean SAM System in Kursk 

Russian forces reportedly destroyed one of their own North Korean-made surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in a “friendly fire” incident in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive. 

Russian military bloggers initially claimed the SAM system had been supplied to Ukraine by Western nations. However, Alexander Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military and political analyst, concluded that Russian forces mistakenly targeted the SAM, according to the Ukrainian Independent Information Agency. 

The incident highlights North Korea’s growing military support for Russia. Pyongyang has reportedly supplied Moscow with short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, self-propelled guns, and even troops to bolster Russia’s efforts in the ongoing conflict. 

Kovalenko noted that the destroyed SAM system’s transfer was not detected by Western or South Korean intelligence, indicating the existence of covert logistical supply chains between North Korea and Russia. “This is extremely alarming,” he said. 

Kovalenko, who has over 100,000 Telegram subscribers, said the error occurred when a Russian drone operator mistook the North Korean SAM system for a Western-manufactured system used by Ukrainian forces in the region. 

Analysis from Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi corroborated this claim, citing battlefield footage and photographs that show the North Korean SAM’s design closely resembles that of Western systems. 

Ukraine has long accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons and personnel. In November, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that Moscow had received over 100 KN-23 and KN-24 short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. 

“Along with the missiles, Pyongyang sent military specialists to service the launchers and participate in war crimes against Ukraine,” the intelligence agency said. 

Kovalenko emphasized the strategic implications of North Korea’s contributions: 

“Russia’s reliance on North Korean air defense systems reveals a severe shortage in its own arsenal. These supplies reflect Moscow’s difficulty in replenishing critical losses,” he said. 

South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States estimate that Russia has deployed more than 10,000 North Korean troops to aid its forces. Given the mutual defense treaty signed between Russia and North Korea last year, Pyongyang’s support for Moscow is expected to continue. 

The treaty obligates both nations to assist each other in the event of armed aggression, solidifying their strategic partnership amid growing international scrutiny.

newsweek.com

Tyson Fury Retires from Boxing After Loss to Oleksandr Usyk 

British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing one month after losing a rematch to Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk. 

The 36-year-old made the announcement in a short video posted Monday on Instagram, where he shared a cryptic farewell message. 

“Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing,” Fury said. “It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it, and I’m going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.” 

The reference to Turpin, an 18th-century English highway robber, left fans puzzled. 

Fury’s decision follows his unanimous decision loss to Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 21, where statistics revealed Usyk landed 42% of his punches (179 out of 423) compared to Fury’s 28% (144 of 509). 

Fury previously acknowledged mistakes in his first split-decision loss to Usyk in May, particularly criticizing his own showboating during the fight. 

Fans had hoped Fury might face fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in a long-anticipated bout, but that now appears unlikely. 

This isn’t the first time Fury has announced his retirement. He made a similar declaration on his 34th birthday in August 2022 but returned to the ring just two months later. Earlier that year, he hinted at retiring after defeating Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium before winning two more fights against Derek Chisora and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou. 

Fury’s boxing career, which began in 2008, boasts a record of 34-2-1 with 24 knockouts. His only career losses came against Usyk, alongside a draw against Deontay Wilder in 2018. 

The rivalry between Fury and Usyk earned mutual respect, with Usyk humorously thanking Fury after winning Ring magazine’s Male Fighter of the Year award. “My friend, greedy belly, thank you so much. You’re a great opponent,” Usyk said. 

Boxing promoter Frank Warren, who has worked with Fury, expressed support for the decision. “If that’s what he wants to do, that’s great. He’s done everything he can do. Probably the best British heavyweight of his generation by far,” Warren told the BBC. 

Fury’s retirement brings an end to a career that has left an indelible mark on heavyweight boxing.

300 North Korean Troops Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine, South Korea Says 

About 300 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in Ukraine have been killed, with 2,700 others injured, South Korean lawmakers said Monday. The announcement follows Ukraine’s confirmation of the capture of two North Korean soldiers, the first taken alive since the reclusive state’s involvement in the war began. 

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) briefed lawmakers, revealing that North Korean troops have suffered high casualty rates due to “poor understanding of modern warfare tactics” and the ways in which Russia has deployed them. Lawmakers also reported that North Korean soldiers have been ordered to commit suicide using explosives rather than risk capture. 

Ukrainian and U.S. officials estimate around 11,000 North Korean troops have been stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a cross-border offensive in August. Neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly confirmed the troop deployment, though their strengthening security ties suggest mutual cooperation. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to exchange the captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainians held by Russia. “There will undoubtedly be more [captures],” Zelenskyy said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. 

The post included a video showing two captured North Korean soldiers. One appeared to have bandaged hands while another had a bandage on his jaw. NBC News could not independently verify the video. Zelenskyy added that for those unwilling to return to North Korea, “other options may be available,” particularly for those who wish to promote peace by sharing the truth about the war in Korean. 

South Korean intelligence confirmed the soldiers’ capture and assisted in questioning them with translation. Their detention is expected to yield valuable insights about North Korea, a secretive state whose leader, Kim Jong Un, has increasingly aligned with Russia in exchange for military and technical assistance. 

Experts say North Korean troops are poorly trained despite belonging to one of the world’s largest armies. Former North Korean intelligence officer Lee Chul Eun, now a defector in South Korea, told NBC News that the soldiers are sent as mercenaries under Kim Jong Un’s orders, not voluntarily. 

“These young soldiers are being sacrificed,” Lee said. 

North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine, which began last fall, represents a significant escalation of the conflict. A North Korean soldier captured in December reportedly succumbed to injuries before revealing information. 

Last month, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said some North Korean soldiers have taken their own lives rather than surrender, likely out of fear of retaliation against their families in North Korea. 

The Kremlin declined to comment on Ukraine’s offer to exchange the soldiers. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “We do not know what is true there, who offered what to whom. But the lives of each of our soldiers who are in captivity are important to us.” 

Gospel Singer Arrested in Nigeria with Nylon Bag Containing Butchered Head of Girlfriend

Timileyin Ajayi, a Nigerian gospel singer, fitness enthusiast, and TikTok content creator, has been arrested after being caught with the severed head of his girlfriend in a nylon bag. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, January 12, in Orozo, a community near Abuja, Nigeria, has sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked intense public outrage. 

The incident unfolded near a church during a thanksgiving service marking the end of a seven-day fast. Worshippers noticed Ajayi carrying a suspicious black nylon bag, followed by flies, prompting intervention by members of the church. 

According to Caleb Umaru, the church’s Bible Study Teacher and General Secretary, a church member named Victor first spotted Ajayi walking suspiciously near a river close to the church. After observing him throw the bag into the river, Victor and another church member, Amos, confronted Ajayi, but he initially denied any wrongdoing. 

Shortly after, two motorcyclists arrived at the church, claiming they had been tracking Ajayi. One of them revealed that he had transported the suspect earlier and noticed blood dripping from the bag. 

The bikemen and church members demanded that Ajayi retrieve the bag from the river. As tensions rose, Ajayi attempted to flee but was pursued and eventually caught in a bushy area after a lengthy chase. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with some individuals resorting to physical violence before church members intervened to prevent further harm. 

Upon recovering the bag, its contents revealed the severed head of a young woman. Ajayi reportedly admitted during police interrogation that the victim was his girlfriend and that an argument had escalated into violence. He claimed the altercation began after discovering messages between her and another man on her phone. According to his account, she attacked him with a knife, and he retaliated by stabbing her in the neck. 

Ajayi further confessed that a woman had instructed him to deliver the head but provided no additional details. He could not identify the victim’s relatives, stating only that she was from the Mararaba-Nyanya area. 

Police officers eventually arrived at the scene, taking Ajayi and the evidence into custody. Graphic videos of the incident, including Ajayi’s interrogation, have since circulated widely online. 

Ajayi is identified as a gospel singer and social media content creator. While these claims have been corroborated by acquaintances, PUNCH Online has not independently verified his professional background. 

The horrific event has left the Orozo church community in shock. “This was my first time seeing something like this physically,” Umaru said, expressing disbelief over the incident. 

Local authorities are now conducting further investigations, though questions remain about the exact jurisdiction overseeing the case. Attempts to reach relevant police officials for comment have so far been unsuccessful. 

The case has drawn widespread condemnation from the public, with many expressing outrage over the brutality of the crime. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands for justice and calls for stricter measures to address rising incidents of violence in the country. 

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a chilling reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in addressing violent crimes. 

Breakthrough in Gaza Truce Talks as Final Draft of Ceasefire Deal Presented

Mediators in Doha have presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of a truce deal aimed at ending the Gaza war, following a significant breakthrough in negotiations, an official close to the discussions revealed Monday. 

The draft, prepared by Qatar, outlines a ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages. Negotiations in the Qatari capital involved high-ranking officials, including Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs, Hamas leaders, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. 

The talks also saw the involvement of U.S. envoys, with Steve Witkoff, representing President-elect Donald Trump, and Brett McGurk, representing the outgoing Biden administration, pushing the sides toward an agreement. 

“The next 24 hours will be crucial,” said an official involved in the process, describing the draft as a product of overnight progress. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani also engaged in direct discussions with Hamas, underscoring the urgency of the negotiations. 

While both sides stopped short of confirming a finalized deal, officials acknowledged significant advancements. Hamas officials noted progress on core issues, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the role of American mediators in facilitating discussions. 

Despite ongoing bloodshed in Gaza, including Israeli airstrikes and Hamas counterattacks, the proposed truce aims to halt fighting in exchange for the release of hostages and detainees. However, fundamental disagreements remain—Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas as a prerequisite for peace. 

With Donald Trump set to assume office on January 20, his administration views the truce as a priority. The president-elect has warned of severe repercussions if hostages are not released before his inauguration. Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden has intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire during his final days in office. 

The draft proposal is being viewed as a pivotal moment in the year-long mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Egyptian intelligence officials remain actively involved, while Qatar’s diplomatic leverage continues to play a critical role in bridging the divide between the warring factions. 

The conflict, which began in October 2023 after Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, has claimed more than 46,000 lives in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with significant displacement and devastation in the enclave. On the Israeli side, over 1,200 people have been killed, and at least 250 remain hostage. 

As the situation escalates, hardline factions in Israel, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, oppose any agreement that does not ensure Hamas’ complete destruction, citing national security concerns. 

While the draft deal is seen as a breakthrough, its success hinges on resolving key disagreements and garnering support from all stakeholders. Both sides have indicated a willingness to continue negotiations, with the next steps likely determining whether the region can move toward a lasting ceasefire or spiral further into violence. 

Tsunami Advisory Lifted After Magnitude 6.6 Earthquake Hits Southwestern Japan 

A tsunami advisory issued after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck southwestern Japan was lifted late Monday, with no major damage reported. 

This photo taken by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan’s east. A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan’s east on the morning of April 3, prompting tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines. (Photo by CNA / AFP) / Taiwan OUT – China OUT – Macau OUT / Hong Kong OUT RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by -/CNA/AFP via Getty Images)

The earthquake, initially estimated at magnitude 6.9, struck at 9:19 p.m. local time in the Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu Island. Japan’s Meteorological Agency later revised the magnitude to 6.6 and confirmed the quake’s depth at 36 kilometers (22 miles). 

A 1-meter (3.2-foot) tsunami was expected, but waters detected at Miyazaki Port reached only 20 centimeters (0.7 feet). Coastal residents were evacuated as a precaution, though the tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and neighboring Kochi prefecture on Shikoku Island was lifted shortly before midnight. 

Officials urged residents to stay alert for aftershocks, landslides, and falling objects. Shigeki Aoki of the Meteorological Agency warned, “The risk of aftershocks remains high, particularly over the next two to three days.” 

One minor injury was reported in Kyushu, where a man fell down stairs. Trains in Miyazaki Station were temporarily halted, stranding passengers. Despite the strong shaking, no power outages were reported, and nuclear plant monitoring systems in the region indicated no irregularities. 

The quake was felt across a wide area of Kyushu and along Japan’s “Ring of Fire,” a seismic hotspot in the Pacific Basin. Experts convened to assess the earthquake’s connection to the Nankai Trough, a zone prone to major seismic activity. No extraordinary measures were deemed necessary, though Japan remains vigilant. 

The Nankai Trough, which extends beneath Shikoku and parts of Honshu, has a history of devastating quakes. The most recent significant event in the area was a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in August last year. 

At Least 40 Farmers Killed in Northeast Nigeria by Suspected Boko Haram Militants

At least 40 farmers were killed in an attack by suspected Islamic militants in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, a government official confirmed Monday. 

The attack took place Sunday in the Dumba community of Borno state and is believed to have been carried out by members of Boko Haram and its splinter group, which is loyal to the Islamic State, according to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. 

Zulum urged residents to remain within designated “safe zones” cleared by the military, warning that other areas remain at risk due to the presence of extremists and unexploded munitions. 

“I assure the citizens of Borno that this incident will be thoroughly investigated, and further necessary action will follow,” Zulum said in a statement. “I also call on the armed forces to pursue and deal decisively with those responsible for this heinous act against innocent civilians.” 

Boko Haram, a Nigeria-based extremist group, launched its insurgency in 2009 with the aim of imposing its radical interpretation of Islamic law and rejecting Western education. The group’s violence has since expanded into neighboring countries, becoming Africa’s longest-running militant conflict. 

The United Nations reports that the insurgency has claimed the lives of approximately 35,000 civilians and displaced more than 2 million people in Nigeria’s northeast. Borno state remains the epicenter of the crisis, which gained international attention in 2014 after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from the village of Chibok.