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Hearts of Oak Fan Dies During Homowo Cup Match Against Heart of Lions

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Hearts of Oak Fan Dies During Homowo Cup Match Against Heart of Lions

A fan of Ghana Premier League club Hearts of Oak, William Nii Laryea, died during the 2024 Homowo Cup match against Heart of Lions on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The club announced the tragic news in a statement released on Monday.

Hearts of Oak emerged victorious in the match, winning 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

However, the victory was overshadowed by the loss of Laryea, described as a passionate supporter who attended all of the club’s home and away matches.

The club’s management expressed their condolences, stating, “The management of Accra Hearts of Oak with a heavy heart wishes to express our sincere condolences to the family of William Nii Laryea, who met his untimely death yesterday at the Accra Sports Stadium.”

While the exact cause of Laryea’s death was not disclosed, Hearts of Oak has pledged to work closely with his family to contribute towards the final funeral arrangements.

The statement emphasized the impact of Laryea’s passing, noting that his death would affect not only his immediate family but also the club, which will “lose his unflinching support and the passion with which he followed the club.”

Hearts of Oak concluded their statement by expressing hope that “the Almighty God will continue to guide and protect [the family] in these difficult times” and praying for Laryea to be granted “a lasting resting place.”

The incident has cast a somber mood over what was intended to be a celebratory charity match for the Homowo festival.

Fatal Crash on Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway Claims Lives of All Passengers, Including Two Babies

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Fatal Crash on Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway Claims Lives of All Passengers, Including Two Babies

ABIA STATE, Nigeria – A devastating accident occurred on Sunday near the Umuika Junction along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, claiming the lives of all passengers aboard an Abia Line Network Sienna vehicle, including two infants.

The driver of the vehicle miraculously survived the crash.

The incident took place around 12:45 PM as the Sienna, traveling from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State to Aba in Abia State, veered off the road after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle was moving at high speed when it lost control, collided with a truck, and crashed into the bush.

The impact was fatal for all passengers and their babies, leaving the driver as the sole survivor.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from the transport company were unsuccessful, as Mrs. Onyemachi Nwaogwugwu, the General Manager, was unavailable for comment.

The Abia Police Command and the state Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have confirmed the incident. Speaking to the press, ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Abia State Police Command, stated that the accident scene had been visited and that investigations were ongoing. “The accident scene has been visited and investigation is ongoing,” Chinaka said.

Similarly, the Sector Commander of the FRSC Abia State Command, Mr. Joseph Ezeoma, confirmed the tragic incident in a press statement issued by the PRO of the Abia State Sector Command, C. M. Enyioko.

The statement noted the involvement of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.

As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of high-speed driving and driver fatigue, particularly on Nigeria’s busy highways.

The incident has also raised concerns about the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Seven Family Members Die of Suspected Food Poisoning in Sokoto, Nigeria

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Seven Family Members Die of Suspected Food Poisoning in Sokoto, Nigeria

Seven members of the same family in Runjin Barmo village, Sokoto State, Nigeria, have died following the consumption of a cassava delicacy, according to a statement from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

The victims include Malam Abubakar, his wife A’ishatu Abubakar, and their five children.

The incident occurred last Wednesday in the Kajiji District of Shagari Local Government Area.

Village head Malam Muhammadu Modi reported that the family consumed the cassava meal during dinner.

However, he noted that other households in the village had used the same cassava without any ill effects, leaving the exact cause of death uncertain.

Health Commissioner Hajiya Asabe Balarabe led a delegation to the village to assess the situation.

The ministry plans to take samples from a surviving teenager who also consumed the suspected meal for further investigation.

Balarabe expressed condolences on behalf of Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu and urged residents to promptly report any strange diseases in their communities.

The incident has raised concerns about food safety in the region. Local health officials, including Sani Bello Tambuwal, Director of Health for Shagari Local Government Area, have welcomed the state’s swift response to the tragedy.

As investigations continue, authorities are emphasizing the importance of food safety awareness and early reporting of health issues in rural communities.

Source: punchng.com

Sudan Peace Talks to Continue Despite Uncertainty Over Army’s Participation

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Sudan Peace Talks to Continue Despite Uncertainty Over Army’s Participation

Peace negotiations aimed at resolving Sudan’s ongoing conflict are set to proceed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, despite uncertainty surrounding the Sudanese army’s participation.

The talks, facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States, are scheduled to begin on August 12, 2024.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the main parties in the conflict, have confirmed their attendance.

However, the Sudanese army’s stance remains unclear, with no official confirmation of their participation as of the latest reports.

A spokesperson for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc involved in mediation efforts, stated, “The talks will proceed as planned.

We are hopeful that all parties will engage in good faith to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”

The African Union has also expressed support for the negotiations, urging both the Sudanese army and the RSF to prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people and work towards a lasting peace agreement.

These talks come after months of conflict that has displaced millions and caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Previous attempts at negotiations have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire or political settlement.

International observers remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for progress, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The United Nations has warned of worsening humanitarian conditions if a resolution is not reached soon.

As the talks are set to begin, the international community continues to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need across Sudan.

VOA report

Nigerian Woman Summoned by Immigration Service for Destroying Husband’s Passport at Lagos Airport

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Nigerian Woman Summoned by Immigration Service for Destroying Husband’s Passport at Lagos Airport

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has summoned Favour Igiebor for questioning after a video circulated on social media showing her apparently tearing up her husband’s passport at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

In the viral video, Igiebor is seen shouting at her husband while torn pieces of a Nigerian passport lie on the floor.

The incident occurred as the family returned from Europe, witnessed by numerous travelers.

The NIS released a statement confirming they have launched a formal investigation into the matter.

The statement noted that destroying a Nigerian passport is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison.

Following the video’s circulation, Igiebor released her own video statement, saying, “Look at my eyes – I do cry a lot.

Many people commenting on social media don’t understand what I am going through.” She mentioned ongoing family issues but did not provide specific details.

Eyewitnesses reported that the couple had been having issues throughout their flight. Some travelers were seen consoling the husband at the airport.

If charged, Igiebor would be the first person taken to court for destroying a Nigerian passport.

This incident comes amid recent efforts by Nigerian authorities to protect national symbols, including a crackdown on the mishandling of the national currency at social events.

The NIS has not yet announced any formal charges against Igiebor as the investigation continues.

Death Toll Rises to 18 in Eastern DRC Attacks by ADF Rebels, 14 Still Missing

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Death Toll Rises to 18 in Eastern DRC Attacks by ADF Rebels, 14 Still Missing

BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo – The death toll from two violent attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to at least 18, according to local sources who spoke to AFP on Sunday.

The attacks, which occurred on Saturday in the Beni territory of the troubled North Kivu province, have been attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State.

Kinos Katua, a civil society leader in the region, confirmed that the death toll had been revised upward from 10 to 18 people.

“Fourteen people are still missing, Katua added, noting that the attacks also resulted in the destruction of four houses and the burning of two motorcycles.

Another local leader, Charles Endukado, indicated that the number of those killed could be even higher, with estimates suggesting that “more than 18” people lost their lives.

“No one can go to recover the bodies that are still lying on the ground, Endukado lamented, reflecting the dangerous and volatile situation on the ground.

The ADF, originally a Ugandan rebel group, has been active in eastern DRC for over three decades, leaving a trail of violence that has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians.

In 2019, the group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, which now portrays the ADF as its Central African branch.

The latest attacks are part of a series of violent incidents linked to the ADF.

Just last month, the group was blamed for an attack that killed 20 people in the region.

Local authorities in Beni revealed in mid-June that approximately 150 people had been killed in similar attacks attributed to the ADF since the beginning of the year.

Despite ongoing joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces against the ADF in North Kivu and the neighboring province of Ituri, these deadly assaults on civilians have continued unabated.

The persistent violence underscores the ongoing instability in eastern DRC, where civilians remain vulnerable to attacks from various armed groups operating in the region.

Source: VOA

11-Year-Old Girl and Woman Stabbed in London’s Leicester Square, Suspect Arrested

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11-Year-Old Girl and Woman Stabbed in London’s Leicester Square, Suspect Arrested

An 11-year-old girl and a 34-year-old woman were stabbed in London’s Leicester Square on Monday, August 12, 2024, just before midday. The incident occurred in the busy tourist area, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at 11:36 AM. A man has been arrested in connection with the attack and is currently in custody. The police do not believe there are any outstanding suspects.

A security guard, identified as Abdullah, 29, intervened during the attack. He reported tackling the suspect and disarming him before police arrived. “I jumped on him, held the hand in which he was carrying a knife, and just put him down on the floor,” Abdullah stated.

The London Ambulance Service dispatched resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, and members of their tactical response unit. Both victims were treated at the scene and subsequently taken to a major trauma center. Their current conditions are unknown.

A police cordon has been established around the TWG Tea shop where the incident occurred. The area, popular with tourists and shoppers, remains busy despite the ongoing police presence.

The Metropolitan Police spokesperson emphasized that this incident is not being treated as terror-related. The police remain on high alert following recent unrest in other parts of the country.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with their enquiries.

DRC Initiates Talks with Zambia to Reopen Closed Border

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DRC Initiates Talks with Zambia to Reopen Closed Border

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on Sunday that it has initiated talks with Zambia to reopen their shared border, which was closed by Zambian authorities on Saturday.

The border closure has blocked a key export route for the DRC, the world’s second-largest copper producer.

Zambian Trade Minister Chipoka Mulenga announced the temporary border closure following demonstrations by Congolese transporters in the border town of Kasumbalesa. The protests were sparked by a Congolese ban on imported soft drinks and beer.

The Congolese trade ministry stated, “Talks between the Congolese and Zambian governments have started since this Sunday via videoconference to lead to the rapid reopening of the borders.”

The ministry added that representatives from both countries would meet in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, to seek a lasting solution regarding trade issues.

Congolese Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya noted that his ministry had not received formal notice of a trade dispute from Zambia prior to the border closure announcement.

He outlined the two countries’ trade agreement and its dispute settlement mechanisms, stating, “There is to date no dispute brought to (the ministry’s) attention in writing or through diplomatic channels.”

The DRC produced approximately 2.84 million tons of copper in 2023, making it the world’s second-largest producer and third-largest exporter of the metal.

Zambia serves as a crucial export route for the Central African country, with most of Congo’s copper exports passing through Kasumbalesa and into Zambia.

The ongoing negotiations aim to resolve the trade dispute and reopen the border, which is vital for the DRC’s copper industry and regional trade.

Reuters

Kenya Aviation Workers Announce Strike Over Proposed Airport Deal with India’s Adani Group

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Kenya Aviation Workers Announce Strike Over Proposed Airport Deal with India’s Adani Group

NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s main aviation union announced on Monday that it will launch a strike from early next week in protest of a proposed agreement between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group to develop the country’s largest airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The union claims the deal could lead to significant job losses and the displacement of Kenyan workers in favor of foreign labor.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a seven-day strike notice, condemning the proposed deal as an “unlawful intended sale of JKIA to Adani Airport Holdings of India.”

The union has also voiced concerns that the deal represents a backdoor attempt at privatization, threatening the national sovereignty of Kenya’s key infrastructure.

Moss Ndiema, the union’s secretary general, emphasized the union’s readiness to strike unless the government completely abandons the deal. “We shall reconsider our intention to engage in industrial action… only if the Adani Airport Holdings Limited’s deal is abandoned in its entirety,” Ndiema stated.

The proposed deal, which has yet to be finalized, includes plans for Adani to add a second runway at JKIA and upgrade the passenger terminal.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed on Monday that they had received the union’s strike notice but expressed hope that the situation could be resolved through negotiation. “We are optimistic that a resolution can be reached through negotiation,” said KAA spokesperson Angela Mumo.

Kenya Airways (KQ), which operates out of JKIA and could be heavily impacted by the strike, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The airline is already grappling with financial difficulties and operational disruptions, and a strike could exacerbate these challenges.

The looming strike follows months of public outcry and protests against the proposed deal, led by a youth-led movement that has raised concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the negotiations.

Critics argue that the deal could lead to foreign control over a strategic national asset and result in job losses for Kenyan workers.

The strike threat has escalated tensions surrounding the deal, which also comes at a time when JKIA is experiencing a surge in passenger traffic, handling 7.5 million passengers last year.

The union and other critics warn that proceeding with the deal could have long-term negative impacts on Kenya’s aviation industry and national security.

Source: Reuters

Kenyan Cult Leader Faces Manslaughter Trial Over Deaths of 400 Followers in Shakahola Forest Tragedy

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Kenyan Cult Leader Faces Manslaughter Trial Over Deaths of 400 Followers in Shakahola Forest Tragedy

MOMBASA, Kenya – Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the leader of a Kenyan starvation cult, appeared in court on Monday to face charges of manslaughter following the deaths of more than 400 of his followers in what is now regarded as one of the deadliest cult-related tragedies in modern history.

Mackenzie, who refers to himself as a self-proclaimed pastor, along with dozens of other suspects, entered a plea of not guilty to multiple counts of manslaughter during a hearing at the magistrate’s court in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa.

The charges are part of a broader case surrounding what has become infamously known as the “Shakahola Forest Massacre.”

The courtroom was packed with over 90 suspects, as prosecutors and court officials began outlining the grim details of the case.

Prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina highlighted the unprecedented nature of the trial, stating, “There has never been a manslaughter case like this in Kenya.”

 He emphasized that the charges would be pursued under a Kenyan law that addresses suicide pacts, making this a uniquely complex legal battle.

Mackenzie is accused of having incited his followers to starve themselves to death as a means of “meeting Jesus.”

This alleged act of religious extremism has provoked widespread outrage and horror both within Kenya and globally.

The arrest of Mackenzie in April last year followed the discovery of several bodies buried in mass graves within the remote Shakahola forest, located inland from the coastal town of Malindi.

The forest has since become synonymous with the cult’s deadly practices.

Over the course of several months, rescuers combed through the dense scrubland, ultimately uncovering 448 bodies, many of which were buried in shallow graves.

Forensic examinations have since revealed that most victims died of hunger, with many others, including children, showing signs of having been strangled, beaten, or suffocated.

As the trial proceeds, the case continues to draw significant attention due to the sheer scale of the tragedy and the questions it raises about how such a large-scale loss of life could have occurred under the guise of religious devotion.

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