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Nigerian Army Accused of Further Detention and Abuse of Girls Freed from Boko Haram Terrorists

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Girls and young women who have been freed from the clutches of Boko Haram terrorists in northeast Nigeria continue to face severe hardships, including unlawful military detention, neglect, and inadequate support to rebuild their lives, according to a damning new report by Amnesty International.

The report, titled “Help us build our lives: Girl Survivors of Boko Haram and Military Abuses in Northeast Nigeria,” was released on Monday and delves into the harrowing experiences of girls and young women who were abducted, forced into marriage, and subjected to sexual violence by Boko Haram. The findings are based on 126 interviews conducted between 2019 and 2024 with women and girls aged 12 to 48, including 82 who survived abuse as children.

Women and girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Survivors recounted the atrocities carried out by Boko Haram, including being forced to give birth to children fathered by the group’s fighters, often while they were still minors themselves. One young woman even witnessed Boko Haram members executing women who had taken contraceptive pills.

However, the nightmare did not end for these girls and young women once they escaped Boko Haram and found their way to government-held territory. Nearly 50 of those interviewed by Amnesty researchers revealed that they faced further hardship and mistreatment at the hands of the Nigerian military.

Released Women and girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Thirty-one girls and young women described being unlawfully imprisoned by the military between 2015 and mid-2023 for periods ranging from a few days to over four years, accused of having allegiances with Boko Haram. They were humiliated by soldiers who called them “wives of Boko Haram,” accused them of being behind killings carried out by the terror group, and subjected them to beatings while in detention.

The report also highlights the failure of the Nigerian authorities to properly screen and identify victims of forced marriage or trafficking among those who have escaped Boko Haram, making it even harder for these women and girls to access the support they are entitled to.

Amnesty International has communicated its findings to Nigerian federal and state authorities, urging them to take action to address these grave human rights violations. The organization has also contacted several global partners, including the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, calling for an investigation into the crimes committed by all parties during the conflict in northeast Nigeria.

As Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa, stated, “These girls, many of whom are now young women, had their childhood stolen from them and suffered a litany of war crimes and other human rights abuses. They are now showing remarkable bravery as they seek to take control of their future.”

The survivors’ message is clear: “Help us rebuild our lives.” It is time for the Nigerian authorities and the international community to listen and take urgent action to support these brave women and girls in their quest for justice and a better future.

Credit: CNN

10 People, Including Teenagers, Injured in Shooting at Wisconsin Rooftop Party

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A rooftop party at a high-rise apartment in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, turned violent in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving at least 10 people injured, including teenagers, according to police reports. The shooting occurred around 12:45 a.m., with nine people sustaining gunshot wounds and one individual injured by broken glass.

All of the victims, ranging in age from 14 to 23, were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have stated that none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. In a Sunday afternoon update, Madison police confirmed that at least one of the injured individuals remained hospitalized.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes expressed his disbelief at the incident during a news conference, stating, “It is truly a miracle that no one is dead. As a community, our hearts are hurting.” He added, “These students should have been celebrating summer vacation and not receiving medical treatment.”

The shooting took place near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus; however, university officials have indicated that no students were known to be among those injured or involved in the incident.

As of Sunday, no suspects were in custody in connection with the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.

The shocking event has left the Madison community reeling, as it grapples with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence that has impacted the lives of several young individuals. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased efforts to address gun violence and ensure the safety of communities across the nation.

As authorities continue to investigate the shooting and search for those responsible, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time and working towards preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

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Nude ‘Bogeyman’ Burglar Found Under Young Boy’s Bed Wearing Child’s Underwear, Sentenced to Jail

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Naked man found under bed.

In a disturbing and unusual case, a 28-year-old man named Ahmad Hassan has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail following a terrifying incident that occurred on Halloween night in the UK. The Canterbury Crown Court heard that a family, consisting of a mother and her two young sons, returned home from trick-or-treating at 9 pm to find their house ransacked, with windows and doors open, toys scattered, and personal items disturbed.

According to prosecutor Alex Matthews, although the family initially thought that nothing had been stolen and that the mother may have left a door open, the situation took a horrifying turn when one of the boys discovered Hassan hiding under his bed, completely nude except for a pair of the child’s own orange underwear.

Bogeyman burglar, Ahmad Hassan, Canterbury Crown Court, UK, Halloween.

Police arrived at the scene to find Hassan lying on the floor in another bedroom, still wearing only the child’s underwear and described by an officer as the “Bogeyman.” Despite denying the burglary and providing no evidence at trial, a jury found Hassan guilty after just 40 minutes of deliberation.

The judge, Recorder Christine Wilson, expressed her disbelief at the psychological impact the incident must have had on the young victim, stating, “I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like for that child, on returning home on Halloween from trick or treating, finding a person naked, apart from that child’s underpants, under their bed.”

In her victim impact statement, the mother revealed that her children were “mortified,” with one constantly thinking someone was in the house and the other throwing up due to fear. She admitted that, although she knows the house is now safe, she is scared to go home.

Bogeyman burglar, Ahmad Hassan, jailed by Canterbury Crown Court, UK.

Hassan, who was reportedly homeless at the time of his arrest and believed to have changed into the boy’s underwear because his clothes were wet, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail and given a 10-year restraining order. His defense attorney, Alexa Le Moine, noted that the case was unusual in that Hassan made no attempt to escape and was found asleep on the floor, clearly under the influence of drink or drugs.

The shocking incident has left the family traumatized. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of home security and the potential for unexpected and disturbing events to occur, even on a night meant for fun and celebration.

Credit: Toofab.com

Another Mexico Councilwoman Supporting Claudia Sheinbaum’s Party Shot Dead Outside Her Home

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In a tragic incident on Friday, Esmeralda Garzon, a local councilwoman in the municipality of Tixtla in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, was shot dead as she was leaving her home. Garzon’s murder marks the second female politician killed in Mexico, just days after Claudia Sheinbaum made history by becoming the country’s first woman president in the June 2 elections.

Esmeralda Garzon is a local councilwoman in the municipality of Tixtla.

According to local media reports, Garzon, who led the equity and gender commission in Tixtla, was elected under the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) but had later backed Sheinbaum’s Morena party, as evidenced by posts on social media. The Guerrero state attorney general’s office confirmed that police were dispatched to the scene to gather evidence and apprehend those responsible for the shooting.

Garzon’s murder follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident earlier this week, in which Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the mayor of a town in western Mexico, and her bodyguard were killed outside a gym just hours after Sheinbaum’s historic victory.

The recent elections in Mexico have been marred by an unprecedented level of violence, with official statistics indicating that at least 23 political candidates were killed while campaigning, making it the most violent elections in modern Mexican history. However, some non-governmental organizations, such as Data Civica, have reported an even higher toll, counting at least 30 candidate killings and over 50 victims when relatives and others caught in the attacks are included.

Mexico’ president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum.

In the lead-up to the elections, several shocking incidents of political violence were reported, including the on-camera assassination of a mayoral hopeful just one day after another mayoral candidate in the central Mexican state of Morelos was murdered. In the southern state of Chiapas, nine people were killed in two attacks against mayoral candidates, though the candidates themselves survived. In April, a mayoral hopeful was shot dead just hours after beginning her campaign.

The ongoing violence against politicians, particularly women, in Mexico is a deeply concerning issue that underscores the challenges faced by the country’s democratic institutions. As Claudia Sheinbaum assumes the presidency, addressing the root causes of this violence and ensuring the safety of all political actors will undoubtedly be a top priority for her administration.

EFCC Raids Nightclubs in Ondo, Nigeria, Arrests 127 Suspected Internet Fraudsters; Loyal Youths Stage Protest

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Directorate, conducted a sting operation in the early hours of Saturday, June 8, 2024, at two nightclubs in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, resulting in the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters. The operation, which targeted a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the Signature and Abah Clubs, was based on credible intelligence suggesting that the event, initially scheduled for June 5, had been moved to evade security and intelligence networks.

127 suspected internet fraudsters arrested by EFCC.

According to Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, the suspects have provided useful information to investigators, and items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, phones, laptops, motorcycles, wristwatches, and numerous incriminating documents. The arrested individuals will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

EFCC storm night club.

The raid sparked protests on Monday in Akure, as scores of youths took to the streets, chanting solidarity songs and demanding the unconditional release of those arrested. The protesters, who caused traffic congestion on the popular Oba Adesida Road and the governor’s office road, questioned the legitimacy of the EFCC’s actions, with one protester, Femi Akinremi, asking, “When has it become a crime for citizens to enjoy themselves at nightclubs?”

Akinremi further criticized the EFCC personnel’s actions, stating, “The guys just entered the nightclubs and started arresting our friends. Is it every youth in clubs that is into ‘yahoo yahoo’?” He called on the state and the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matter.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In response to the protests, the EFCC confirmed the arrests but refuted allegations that the suspects were brutalized or dehumanized during the operation. Dele Oyewale, in a statement released on Sunday, defended the commission’s actions and maintained that the arrests were carried out professionally.

The incident has reignited the debate surrounding the EFCC’s methods in combating cybercrime and internet fraud in Nigeria, with some questioning the legality and proportionality of mass arrests in public spaces. As the investigation unfolds, the arrested suspects await their day in court, while the local community grapples with the fallout of the EFCC’s operation and the ensuing protests.

Credit: Punchng.com

Transgender High School Student’s Jaw Broken in Two Places After Assault for Using Men’s Bathroom

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Cobalt Sovereign, a 17-year-old transgender student at Hopkins High School in Minnesota, suffered a brutal assault that left her jaw broken in two places after using the men’s bathroom. The incident occurred on May 30 when Sovereign, who uses she/her pronouns, was confronted by a fellow student who had peered into the stall she was using.

Speaking to KARE, Sovereign recounted the horrifying experience: “In the bathroom, he had looked over the stall directly where I was attempting to use the bathroom, and that is where he initially called me a f—– in the first place.” As she left the stall and walked out of the bathroom, the assailant was waiting for her and allegedly punched her in the face, breaking her jaw in two places and shattering a tooth.

Sovereign was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent a lengthy surgery to have three titanium plates fitted in her jaw. She described the unprovoked nature of the attack, stating, “He had no reason to have anything against me, I’ve never talked to him, never done anything negative to him. And I was insulted and then eventually hit in the jaw.”

While the school offers gender-neutral bathrooms, they are often busy or inconveniently located. Sovereign expressed her discomfort with using the men’s restroom but said she would rather be uncomfortable herself than make others uncomfortable by using the women’s bathroom.

The assault has left Sovereign traumatized, experiencing nightmares and facing months of additional treatment and surgeries. The school has taken disciplinary action against the alleged assailant, and the Minnetonka police are investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Hopkins Public Schools confirmed that the district and police are investigating “an act of violence that occurred last Thursday and involved a student who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.” They emphasized the school’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, stating, “We will address any issues that compromise the safety and inclusivity of our school environment. We support and stand by any group that is marginalized, including our LGBTQ+ scholars and staff.”

The shocking assault on Cobalt Sovereign highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by transgender students in educational settings. It underscores the urgent need for schools to create safe, inclusive environments that protect and support all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. As the investigation continues, the community rallies around Sovereign, offering support and demanding justice for this horrific act of violence.

91-Year-Old Billionaire Frank Stronach faces Multiple Sexual Assault Charges Dating Back to 1980s

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Frank Stronach, a 91-year-old billionaire and former auto-parts tycoon, was arrested on Friday in the upscale Toronto suburb of Aurora on sexual assault charges spanning multiple decades. The Austrian-Canadian businessman faces five criminal offenses, including rape, sexual assault, indecent assault on a female, and forcible confinement.

According to the Peel Regional Police, the alleged sexual assaults occurred between the 1980s and 2023, involving multiple accusers. While the exact number of victims has not been disclosed, Constable Tyler Bell confirmed that there is more than one, citing the need to protect the victims’ identities in this high-profile case.

Frank Stronach, 91-year-old billionaire.

Stronach, who was released on conditions, is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date. The billionaire has enlisted the services of prominent lawyer Brian Greenspan, known for representing high-profile clients such as Naomi Campbell and Justin Bieber, to lead his defense team.

In a statement, Greenspan asserted that Stronach “categorically denies” all allegations brought against him and looks forward to fully responding to the charges while maintaining his legacy as a philanthropist and icon of the Canadian business community.

Stronach with Carmen Stamboli at the Miss Vienna contest in 2014.

Born in Austria in 1932, Stronach grew up under Nazi rule before immigrating to Canada in the mid-1950s. He founded Magna, a company that would become one of the world’s largest auto-parts suppliers, in his garage in 1957. The company currently boasts a market capitalization of $12.52 billion.

Magna issued a statement denying any knowledge of the investigation or allegations beyond what has been reported in the media, emphasizing that Stronach has had no affiliation with the company since relinquishing control in 2010.

Stronach’s other business ventures include the creation of The Stronach Group, a horse racing company. In 2013, he briefly returned to Austria to found and lead a populist right-wing political party called Team Stronach for Austria before moving back to Canada two months later, where he was named to the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest honors.

Frank Stronach, a 91-year-old billionaire, wife and daughter.

In 2018, Stronach sued his daughter Belinda Stronach, a former Canadian Member of Parliament and CEO of Magna, along with two grandchildren and a former business associate, for over $500 million, alleging mismanagement of family assets. Belinda countersued, claiming her father had lost substantial sums on pet projects. The case was eventually settled.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the shocking allegations against Frank Stronach have sent shockwaves through the Canadian business community and beyond, tarnishing the legacy of a once-celebrated entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Credit: Dailymail.com

Ukraine Reports Striking Russia’s Most Advanced Su-57 Fighter Jet at Akhtubinsk Base

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Ukraine’s military has claimed a significant victory by successfully striking one of Russia’s most advanced warplanes, the Su-57 fighter jet, at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia. The attack, which took place on Saturday, was carried out nearly 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the front lines, according to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.

The Ukrainian agency shared satellite photos showing the aftermath of the attack, with black soot marks and small craters visible around the parked aircraft. If confirmed, this would mark Ukraine’s first known successful strike on the twin-engine stealth fighter, which is considered Moscow’s most advanced military aircraft.

The strike was made possible after Ukraine’s Western allies, including the United States and Germany, recently authorized Kyiv to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying. President Joe Biden has approved the use of American arms for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Although the specific weapons used in the attack were not immediately clear, the distance of the airfield from Ukraine suggests that drones were likely employed. The Ukrainian agency emphasized the rarity of the Su-57 in Moscow’s arsenal, with reports indicating that Russia obtained “more than 10” new Su-57s last year and plans to produce 76 by 2028.

Moscow has not yet commented on the reports, although Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed on Saturday that its forces had downed three Ukrainian drones in the Astrakhan region, where the Akhtubinsk airstrip is located.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion more than two years ago, Ukraine has increased its domestic drone production and used these drones to strike deep inside Russia, including a gas terminal near St. Petersburg, over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

In other developments, Ukrainian forces continued drone attacks on Russia’s southern border regions, while Russian shelling killed at least three civilians and wounded nine others across Ukraine’s front-line provinces on Saturday and overnight. Heavy battles persist in the Kharkiv region as Ukrainian troops attempt to push back Russia’s invading forces, sparking fears for the city and a wave of civilian evacuations.

The successful strike on the Su-57 fighter jet at the Akhtubinsk base serves as a significant morale boost for Ukraine and demonstrates the country’s increasing capability to target Russian assets far from the front lines, thanks in part to the support of its Western allies.

Credit: CNN

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Quietly Put Marital Home on the Market, Fueling Divorce Speculation

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In a shocking development that confirms the rumors of their impending divorce, celebrity couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly attempting to sell their Beverly Hills mansion just over a year after purchasing it. Multiple sources with direct knowledge have informed TMZ that the couple has enlisted the services of realtor Santiago Arana from The Agency to discreetly market the property they bought for just over $60 million.

The decision to sell the marital home comes amidst growing speculation about the state of the couple’s relationship. TMZ previously reported that the marriage is in deep trouble, with Ben Affleck having already moved out of the house and into a rental property in Brentwood. Sources now reveal that Jennifer Lopez is also actively searching for a new residence.

The couple’s hunt for their dream home was an extensive process, spanning nearly two years and involving the viewing of more than 80 properties before they finally settled on the luxurious Beverly Hills mansion. The decision to sell so soon after the purchase indicates that the couple’s relationship has taken a turn for the worse.

According to sources, Arana has been showing the house for approximately two weeks, coinciding with the clear signs of trouble between the celebrity couple. Despite the efforts to find a buyer, no offers have been made as of yet.

Insiders have revealed that the asking price for the property is around $65 million. However, with broker’s commissions, a new tax on high-end properties, and significant investments made in improvements, the couple is likely to incur a loss of millions of dollars on the sale.

The short story is that the handwriting is on the wall, and the sale of the marital home is a clear signal that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are heading towards divorce. The couple, who rekindled their romance and tied the knot in a highly publicized ceremony, now appear to be on the brink of ending their marriage.

As the situation unfolds, fans and the media alike are closely watching for further developments in the Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck divorce saga. The sale of their marital home serves as a stark reminder that even the most high-profile celebrity relationships can crumble under the pressures of fame and personal differences.

Credit: TMZ

200 Palestinians Died in the Rescue Operation to Rescue Four Hostages in Gaza

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In a daring operation, the Israeli military, intelligence, and special forces rescued four hostages from two separate locations in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza on Saturday. The rescued individuals, identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were among those kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 by Hamas militants.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the hostages are in good medical condition and have been transferred to the ‘Sheba’ Tel-HaShomer Medical Center for further medical examinations. However, the rescue operation came at a heavy cost, with Gazan authorities reporting that at least 210 people were killed and more than 400 others injured as a result of the Israeli military action.

Israel raid on Gaza.

An Israeli policeman from a special counter-terrorism unit lost his life during the rescue mission, according to Israeli police. The operation took place amidst heavy shelling and artillery fire in Nuseirat and other areas of central Gaza, as reported by the Israeli military.

Eyewitnesses in Nuseirat described the scene as a “crazy bombardment” and “hell on earth,” with children torn apart and scattered in the streets. Nidal Abdo, a local resident, recounted the horrific aftermath of the strike, while another witness, Abu Abdallah, claimed that the attack occurred while people were sleeping, leaving behind a gruesome scene of destruction.

Hamas denounced the operation as a “heinous crime” and accused the Israeli military of committing a “horrific massacre against innocent civilians” in a press release on Saturday.

The successful rescue of the four hostages marks the third such operation, following the rescue of IDF Corporal Ori Megidish from the northern Gaza Strip in October last year and the rescue of Fernando Marman and Louis Har from southern Rafah on February 12 this year.

One of the rescued hostages.

Noa Argamani, one of the rescued hostages, had become a symbol of the October 7 attacks after a video surfaced showing her pleading for help as Hamas fighters kidnapped her and her boyfriend, Avinatan Or. Argamani’s mother, Liora, who is battling late-stage brain cancer, had made a desperate plea to see her daughter one last time in a video released last November.

The other rescued hostages include Almog Meir Jan, 22, from Or Yehuda; Shlomi Ziv, 41, a security guard at the Nova festival; and Andrey Kozlov, 27, a Russian citizen who moved to Israel a year ago and was also working as a security guard at the festival.

One of the rescued hostages reunited with her family.

Following Saturday’s rescue operation, the total number of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip from the October 7 attacks stands at 116, with at least 41 confirmed dead. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza continues, with the primary goal of rescuing the remaining hostages.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the international community has called for restraint and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire. The devastating loss of life and the ongoing hostage crisis underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Credit: CNN

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