Author: Blessing Aidi

Artillery shelling and airstrikes killed at least 56 people across greater Khartoum on Saturday, according to medical sources and activists. Fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified as the army tries to regain control of the capital. In Omdurman, RSF shelling hit a crowded market, killing 54 and injuring 158. The attack overwhelmed Al-Nao Hospital, which has been repeatedly targeted. A survivor said, “The shells hit the vegetable market, causing many casualties.” The RSF has denied responsibility. In Khartoum, an airstrike on an RSF-controlled area killed two civilians and wounded dozens, the Emergency Response…

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Communications has engaged with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to prevent a planned nationwide protest scheduled for February 4, 2025, in response to a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved the tariff hike, citing rising operational costs for telecommunication companies. This decision has sparked strong opposition from the NLC, which has threatened to stage a nationwide protest unless the Federal Government and the National Assembly intervene to revert to the previous tariff rates temporarily. The NLC has expressed concern that the tariff increase would…

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on marketers to lower the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, after Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in its ex-depot price from N950 to N890 per litre. Billy Gillis-Hary, the National President of PETROAN, made this call in an interview with newsmen, acknowledging the price cut as a positive development. However, he emphasised the need for a smooth transition in retail pricing. “Filling stations have already stocked up products purchased at the previous price, which makes an immediate reduction in pump prices challenging”. Gillis-Hary…

Aisha Suleiman, who was wrongfully accused of poisoning five people with pepper soup, has shared her emotional journey after being acquitted of all charges. In an interview with Newsmen, Aisha detailed the series of events that led to her public humiliation and arrest. She firmly denied the allegations, which she claims stemmed from a tense fallout after ending her relationship with her late boyfriend. Aisha explained that her ex-boyfriend’s father had forbidden her from visiting their home, and on the day the tragedy occurred, she was miles away from the scene in Afashio. The false accusations began when a social…

Horst Köhler, who served as Germany’s president from 2004 to 2010, has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by the German presidency, which stated he passed away today after a brief illness. Köhler died early in the morning in Berlin, surrounded by his family, according to the statement. Before his presidency, Köhler had an influential international career, including serving as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2000 to 2004. Born on February 22, 1943, in Skierbieszów, Poland, then under Nazi occupation, Köhler’s family moved to East Germany before fleeing to West Germany…

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has revealed plans to begin the domestic production of HIV-related products, including test kits and antiretroviral drugs, by the end of 2025. Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori made the announcement on Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the launch of the Kwara Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Pediatrics ART Acceleration Committee. She explained that local production is part of the government’s strategy to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Dr. Ilori further outlined other key initiatives aimed at this goal, including enrolling all Nigerians in the national…

US-based Nigerian immigrants are reportedly taking measures to avoid arrest and deportation in response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. Many have limited their movements, avoiding public spaces such as workplaces, churches, and social gatherings due to fears of being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. One Nigerian immigrant, speaking to Newsmen anonymously for fear of repercussions, explained that since Trump’s inauguration, he stopped going to work in fear that ICE agents might raid his workplace. “The only safe place is your house,” he said, adding that he no longer attends church or other public events…