Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • US TROOPS IN NIGERIA: MURIC SEEKS CLARIFICATIONS 

    US TROOPS IN NIGERIA: MURIC SEEKS CLARIFICATIONS 

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    ‎The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has requested for clarifications over the presence of American troops in Nigeria. The group expressed concern for the safety of Muslim leaders in particular and the sovereignty of Nigeria in general. It interrogated US goal of protecting Nigerian Christians and also called on Nigerian leaders to take hold of the nation’s destiny.

    ‎‎This was contained in a statement circulated to the media on Friday, 6th February, 2026 by the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola.

    ‎‎The full statement reads:

    ‎‎”The United States of America confirmed three days ago that its troops were already on ground in Nigeria (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-military-says-some-forces-have-been-dispatched-nigeria-2026-02-03/).

    ‎‎”The Federal Government (FG) also confirmed this later on the same day (https://dailytrust.com/dhq-admits-us-troops-in-nigeria/?noamp=aavailable; https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/) although the Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, later said they were ‘not combat forces’ (https://businessday.ng/news/article/us-troops-in-nigeria-are-not-combat-forces-says-defence-minister/)

    ‎‎”MURIC considers this development as an overreach and the secrecy surrounding US troop deployment to Nigeria disturbing. While we welcome cooperation between Nigeria and the US in the fight against terrorism, we do not think US boots on ground is necessary. In the first place, we regard it as a discriminatory, and selective response of the US to the question of religious persecution in Nigeria.

    “We assert that there is nothing like Christian genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism, insecurity and religious persecution on both sides of Christians and Muslims and what we lack is religious tolerance.

    “For greater clarity, Muslims in Southern Nigeria have been suffering from religious persecution in the hands of their Christian compatriots for decades if not centuries. These persecutions are legendary although the Nigerian authorities have turned deaf ears to their cries to date. But Southern Muslims have not taken it upon themselves to falsely accuse their Christian counterparts of ‘Muslim genocide’.

    “The case of terrorism and other issues of insecurity are another cup of tea and it affects Nigerians of all faith. It therefore beggars belief that America, a nation regarded as the champion of democracy, freedom and equal rights will descend on Nigeria to selectively fight or ‘protect’ one group.

    “If the US should promote democratic principles of freedom of religion in Nigeria at all, it has a moral duty not to be selective but to promote freedom for both Christians and Muslims who are in captivity. There should be no selective solutions to religious persecution anywhere in the world.

    “If, therefore, it is true that US troops are already on ground in Nigeria, we demand that there should be no clampdown on religious activities of Muslims or on Muslim leaders. No Muslim leader should disappear or be assassinated and no renditions.

    “We note that the Federal Government (FG) called the American forces on ground a ‘small team’. But even that ‘small team’ of US troops in Nigeria amounts to the presence of a Christian Army in view of the emphasis given the goal of US invasion embodied in US President Trump’s pre-strike and pre-US-troops’ deployment rhetoric (protecting Nigerian Christians).

    “‎Against this backdrop, the perception of Nigerian Muslims (and the global Muslim community) concerning the presence of US troops in Nigeria would have been different if America’s stated goal ab initio had been to protect law abiding Nigerians (including people of all faiths) to eliminate terrorists and to stop the spate of killings generally.

    “‎But the stated objective of protecting Christians only makes any American boot on ground in Nigeria a Christian Army (with all its implications). It also constitutes a threat to global peace as many people around the world, especially Muslims now see the presence of American troops in the country as an attempt to intimidate the Nigerian majority Muslim population.

    “Millions of Southern Muslims have been forcefully converted to Christianity, particularly in the South West while thousands of Muslims in the South East face the threat of death unless they converted to Christianity. A new video clip which emerged last week showed a Christian militant from the South East inciting Christians to kill any Muslim they see around. Hundreds of Muslims have been killed in the South East in the past ten years.

    “Those Muslims in Southern Nigeria who have persevered in the face of persecution in the hands of their Christian neighbours and those who have also resisted attempts at forced conversion will find it difficult to believe that the ‘small team’ of US troops is not a Christian Army eventually deployed to force them to accept Christianity at gun point unless America waters down its pro-Christian and anti-Muslim rhetoric by using such language that reflects respect for the dignity of Nigerian Muslims. 

    “In the same way that mainstream Nigerian Muslims will not surrender to terrorism, we will not give in to imperialist intimidation. What is happening today is not different from neo-imperialist terrorism. Already, some Nigerian Christians have started using the presence of US troops in Nigeria to harass Muslims in the country. This is absolutely unacceptable (https://www-vanguardngr-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/anti-terror-war-ex-militant-leader-warns-dokubo-gumi-over-reported-arrival-of-u-s-troops-in-nigeria/amp/).

    While interviewing the son of a former Nigerian president who is a Muslim, an anchor lady on a popular Nigerian cable television network also said the US strike was targeted at Sokoto so as to emphasise the importance of a Christian cleric who lives in the city and to earn him more respect!

    “We assert very firmly that Nigerian Muslims will hold the National Assembly (NASS) responsible for failing to ask the necessary questions. What part of the cooperation between Nigeria and the US necessitates the presence of US troops on Nigerian soil? Has the Nigerian Constitution been suspended? Was the NASS carried along? Why did the Federal Government (FG) fail to inform Nigerians about the plan? Who is paying for the operation, the accommodation of US troops, feeding, etc: Nigerian tax payers or US tax payers?

    “‎Before we exit from this conversation, we note that the conspiratorial silence from the Nigerian civil society, students bodies, workers unions, etc on the issue of American troops on Nigerian soil is baffling. If these groups are silent because of the assumption that America has come for Nigerian Muslims only, we remind them of the words of Martin Niemöller, a German Lutheran pastor in the hands of Nazi Germany.

    He said, ‘First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists and I did not speak out
    because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists
    and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me’.

    “By the way, FG described the presence of the American troops in the country as a

    ‎’small’ team of American soldiers. This description needs to be interrogated. How ‘small’ is ‘small’?

     

     

     

  • Ndarani Foundation donates N100m scholarship to indigent students in Niger South

    Ndarani Foundation donates N100m scholarship to indigent students in Niger South

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Mohammed Ndarani Humanitarian Foundation, through its Women Wing, has donated N100 million to sponsor the education of indigent students across the Niger South Senatorial Zone.

    The scholarship intervention targets students whose parents are financially disadvantaged and currently studying in various institutions of higher learning as part of deliberate efforts to expand access to education and reduce the burden on vulnerable families.

    Beneficiaries of the educational support were selected from Bida, Lavun, Edati, Mokwa, Agaie, Lapai, Katcha and Gbako Local Government Areas of the state, ensuring equitable spread across the senatorial zone.

    The cheque was formally presented to members of the Steering Committee of Women in Politics and Inclusive Governance, under the exemplary leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, by Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani SAN, during a ceremony held on Saturday in Bida.

    Speaking after the presentation, the Founder of the foundation and renowned legal luminary, Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, Hukunchi Nupe and Hausaland, said the initiative was part of his personal and collective contribution to reposition education as a catalyst for sustainable development.

    Ndarani explained that education remained the most effective tool for lifting communities out of poverty, stressing that no society can attain meaningful progress without deliberate investment in human capital development.

    He explained that the scholarship scheme was designed to support students from underprivileged backgrounds who possess the determination and capacity to succeed academically but are constrained by economic hardship.

    According to him, the foundation deliberately focused on tertiary education because of its multiplier effect on families, communities and the wider society, adding that empowering one student has the potential to uplift generations.

    Ndarani further stated that the initiative aligns with his lifelong belief that leadership must be anchored on service, compassion and inclusiveness, especially towards women and young people who constitute the backbone of future leadership.

    He emphasised that philanthropy should not be about publicity, but about creating opportunities, restoring hope and giving people the platform to realise their God-given potential.

    The learned silk stressed that the foundation was established to contribute to societal growth through humanitarian efforts.

    “I’m so delighted to see that all the students who benefited from the founation’s scholarship scheme were overwhelmed and in addition this foundation have been sponsoring JAMB, paying for WAEC for some students across Zone A and across Niger, and as well been drilling boreholes for many communities. So this foundation is deeply on ground for service to humanity,” Ndarani stated.

    The legal icon reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the scholarship programme and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to complement government efforts by investing in education as a shared national responsibility.

    The Coordinator, President General of CAGRAT and National Chairman, Nupe Development Forum (Nupe-Defo), Engr. Muhammadu Dagaci, stressed that credible leadership and good governance can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in building consensus and working collectively towards shared goals.

    Dagachi, who is also the Zarumi Agaie, described the intervention as a generational contribution by a philanthropist who truly understood the plight of the poor.

    He explained that the scholarship was carefully targeted at students from economically disadvantaged families, noting that due diligence was conducted to ensure only deserving beneficiaries were selected.

    The CAGRAT National President said the selection process was conducted with transparency and sensitivity, bearing in mind the prevailing economic difficulties in the country, describing the exercise as largely successful.

    He disclosed that each beneficiary would receive the N100,000, with funds distributed evenly across the local government areas within the senatorial district.

    According to him, the foundation adopted a bank-to-bank electronic transfer system, ensuring that funds are paid directly into individual students’ accounts, thereby eliminating intermediaries and guaranteeing accountability.

    Dagachi commended the efficiency and effectiveness of the process, stating that it reflects the founder’s commitment to integrity and proper stewardship of resources.

    He described the scholarship scheme as a deliberate effort at legacy building.

    The coordinator stressed that legacy outlives individuals, adding that investing in education remains the most enduring form of legacy because it facilitates generational succession, knowledge transfer and professional continuity.

    He lamented that the lack of commitment to legacy building and mentorship by many privileged individuals has contributed to global socio-economic crises, urging leaders and philanthropists to consciously support initiatives that secure the future of the next generation.

    Dagachi commended Ndarani for his foresight in assisting the less privileged in the society, while appealing to the people of the zone to support Ndarani’s senatorial ambition for the zone to move forward.

    Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Event Steering Committee, Barr. Maryam Mohammed-Ndarani, stated that her husband is committed to the welfare of the people, particularly the less privileged in the society.

    She assured that the women wing of the foundation would do everything humanly possible to empower women to alleviate their suffering.

    In her remarks, the Secretary of the Steering Committee, Hajiya Safiya Dagachi-Muhammad, lauded Ndarani ‘s humanitarian foundation for supporting the plight of women and youths.

    She disclosed that the foundation has assisted so many women cooperative groups in the zone to bolster their businesses.

    Dagachi-Muhammad disclosed that the women wing of the foundation honoured Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago as the exemplary governor for women in politics for his unwavering dedication to empowering female and promoting inclusive leadership.

    According to her, Umaru-Bago stands out as an exceptional and visionary leader whose administration has significantly advanced the inclusion and empowerment of women in politics, strategic appointments, and strong support for women focused initiatives, hence his recent declaration that women are elected as vice chairmen in all the 25 local government areas across the state.

    Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the APC Zonal Vice Chairman in Zone A, Alhaji Mohammed Mini Bida, former APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Mohammed Shinkafa, Shinkafa Nupe; prominent APC members from across the state; past and present local government chairmen from Niger South Senatorial Zone; vice chairmen; women leaders; traditional rulers, and various students union leaders.

  • Troops rescue abducted victims, dismantle illicit activities nationwide – Army

    Troops rescue abducted victims, dismantle illicit activities nationwide – Army

    Rescue
    By Sumaila Ogbaje
    Abuja, Feb. 8, 2026 (FBN) Troops of the Nigerian Army have in the last 24 hours recorded major operational successes across multiple theatres, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting criminal suspects and dismantling illicit activities nationwide.

    A reliable military source told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued four kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol at Yarsenta area in the North-West.

    The source said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted on Jan. 26 from Makera Village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and were safely recovered while wandering in the bush.

    The source added that troops had sustained aggressive patrols across Zamfara State, denying bandits freedom of action and reassuring local communities through continuous presence and intelligence-driven operations.

    According to the source, under Operation MESA, troops in Kogi, intercepted a surrendered bandit linked to notorious gang leaders, recovering a locally made gun and a mobile phone.

    In the South-South, the source disclosed that troops of the Joint Task Force arrested a suspected impostor attempting to gain access to a military formation, foiling a potential security breach.

    He said troops, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, also arrested four suspected drug peddlers in Delta, recovering quantities of cannabis and controlled substances.

    The source further revealed that troops destroyed an illegal crude oil refining site in Rivers, dismantling ovens, reservoirs and pipelines used for economic sabotage.

    He assured that the Nigerian army would continue coordinated operations to disrupt criminal networks, protect civilians and secure critical national assets.

  • Osun: Calls for State of Emergency: Failed Desperate Act of Oyetola and Oyebamiji — Gov. Adeleke

    Osun: Calls for State of Emergency: Failed Desperate Act of Oyetola and Oyebamiji — Gov. Adeleke

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the call by faceless civil society groups for the declaration of a state of emergency in Osun State as the last failed desperate act of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Bola Oyebamiji who are frustrated by their inability to destabilise Osun State.

    In a statement issued on Saturday at Osogbo, the Governor branded the call as a continuation of the failed plot by the Osun APC leadership to seize power through the backdoor after their consistent failure to win the support of Osun people, a statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor disclosed.

    “We reiterate well known facts in public domain that the APC is the main source of disturbance in the state, paralysing local government, mismanaging LG fund, and illegally deploying police, making Mr Oyetola and his cohorts the most hated entities in Osun political space.

    The APC seized local government funds, mismanaged the same, and forcefully occupied the councils, all in a bid to provoke violence and conflict. This is a deliberate strategy to create chaos and blame it on the Adeleke-led administration.

    Governor Adeleke has, however, succeeded in maintaining peace despite open confrontation and illegality being perpetrated by these groups. The call for a state of emergency is an act of frustration and desperation.

    Osun APC has failed in its evil bid to destabilise and create mayhem in Osun State, hence their resort to an open call for emergency declaration, for which there is no basis or justification.

    How can the APC turn around to accuse Governor Adeleke of creating a crisis in Osun when the whole world knows that it was Mr Oyetola and his cohorts that masterminded the current instability at Osun local government level?

    How can any sane person blame Governor Adeleke when it was the APC illegal chairmen who had criminally hijacked the local government and who had refused to quit office after the expiration of their self-awarded tenure?

    How can Governor Adeleke be responsible for the impunity of seeking tenure elongation by these illegal chairmen while staying on illegally across the councils?

    How is the Governor liable when it was the Osun APC that hijacked Osun LG fund at the UBA, in direct breach of the local government finance laws?

    Who can blame Governor Adeleke, who has been using state money to pay local workers, who were abandoned by the illegal APC chairmen who were hellbent on sharing billions of local government funds among themselves?

    Governor Adeleke is receiving accolades on a daily basis for his legal and matured handling of the local government crisis. The Osun APC has emerged as a truly anti-people and anti-humanity political party.

    “We warn agents of violence and conflict that Osun has gone past the era of brute force. No individual or group of individuals will be allowed to further disturb the peace of Osun State. Anybody found creating public mayhem will face the full wrath of the law.

    “I have directed the Commissioner of Police to watch, monitor, and stop the plot to plunge Osun into an open conflict. I call on the Inspector General of Police to take note of the current trend and deploy his men to action.

    “I again call on Mr President to call Mr Oyetola to order. The action of the minister is splashing mud on the names of the Presidency. Mr Oyetola and his team should allow Osun to breathe.

    “Those seeking power should face the electorates; voters will decide. Political power is secured through the people, no backdoor access will work. Osun people will not bow or surrender to impunity and an unconstitutional agenda.”

     


    About Flowerbudnews
    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

    We are drawn from both public and private  sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

  • Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Growth and Development of Cooperative Societies in Osun

    Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Growth and Development of Cooperative Societies in Osun

     

     

     

    By Kazeem Olabisi ( Imam Ailaka)
    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Cooperative movement by providing enabling legislation, financial support and capacity building initiatives.

    Senator Adeleke, who was represented by the Osun State Commissioner for Cooperative and Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbaungbe, gave the assurance on Saturday during the 2nd Annual anniversary of ADEKILEKUN OTITOLOJU COOPERATIVE SOCIETY in Ede.

    Hon Ogungbaungbe said Governor Adeleke led administration in the state, has always commited to combat poverty and assist Cooperative societies in reclaiming their previous influence.

    In his welcome address, the chairman Board of the committee OTITOLOJU COOPERATIVE SOCIETY, Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Amoo Tiamiyu emphasized the importance of Cooperative societies by recognizing them as associations and enterprises through which citizens can enhance their lives while contributing to the economic, social, cultural and political development of their community, state and nation.

    Hon Tiamiyu, a serving Commissioner in the state Education Board, (SUBEB) lauded the commitment of the president and it’s executive members for their steadfastness and transparent manners in their dealings with members all the time.

    This, according to him, reflected on the society ‘s achievements and lauded the commitment of members in fostering mutual support, particularly in the area of timely loan disbursement. He narrated.

    The event held at AHMADIYA COLLEGE, Ede was well attended by top management staff of the commission, Representatives of Osun State Ministry of Commerce and Cooperative services.

    In his speech, the president General of Ede Otitoloju Cooperative society, Alh Tajudeen Isiaq Adekilekun expressed immense gratitude to Almighty ALLAH and all cooperators for their resilience, unwavering supports and dedication.

    Comrade Tajudeen said that the journey was started by ten members two years ago but today, with our little efforts and determination to succeed this is what God has done.

    “I want to emphasize out the total commitment to the ideas of Cooperative business through meaningful engagement of all members, with a view to further repositioning the society.

    In his own assertion, a member, Federal House of reps Hon Bamidele Salaam encouraged cooperators to utilize their loans wisely and explore viable investment opportunities considering the economic situation of the country.

    Hon Salaam who was represented by Hon Hameed Olagoke said : “Given the prevailing economic situation of the country, it is essential for our Cooperative society known as ” Otitoloju” to promote sound financial stewardship among it’s members by encouraging cooperators to utilize their loans judiciously and seek out viable and sustainable investment opportunities.

    Adding that : “Such guidance not only empowers members to enhance their personal financial well-being but also strengthens the collective economic foundation of the society.

    The executive chairman, Ede South Local Government, Hon Lukuman Afolabi expressed gratitude to Otitoloju Cooperative society members especially the president General and chairman of the Board for a job well done.

    He assured all attendees and members of the society about the determination of Ede South Local Government to efficient and smooth service delivery at all times.

    Also speaking, Hon Miftau Gbadebo Ayinde urged the leaders of cooperative societies to always update their knowledge by participating in modern way of learnings to glorify their efforts,

    According to him: “it’s imperative that all financial decisions are informed by a clear understanding of the country ‘s current economic conditions, ensuring that our strategies remains both responsive and resilient in the face of national and global challenges “. He stated.

    Speaking at the occasion, Hon Haseem Abioye commended the Adekilekun Otitoloju Cooperative Society for it’s transparency and dilig

  • Republicans Criticise Trump Over Obama Animated Video

     

     

    By Matt Brown

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump received rare blowback from Republican lawmakers over a video posted to social media that included a racist image of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, depicted as primates.

    Since Trump’s return to the White House, Republican lawmakers have treaded carefully when disagreeing with the president, often communicating their concerns in private for fear of suffering his wrath.

    But the swift calls to remove the post, which also echoed false conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, represented a rare moment of bipartisan backlash to Trump’s actions from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

    Multiple GOP members of the Senate and House joined their Democratic colleagues in voicing disgust and criticism at the post and urged the president to remove it.

    Trump declined to apologize, saying he did not see the racist portion of the video when he passed it on to staff.

  • 31 killed, about 170 injured in blast in Pakistani capital

    31 killed, about 170 injured in blast in Pakistani capital

     

     

    ISLAMABAD,  (Xinhua)/Flowerbudnews:  — At least 31 people were killed and around 170 others were injured after an explosion ripped through a mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s federal capital city of Islamabad, police and government officials said.

    Confirming the casualties, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said that the explosion happened in the Shi’ite mosque located in the Shehzad Town area of Islamabad, prompting authorities to impose a state of emergency in all the major hospitals nearby.

    He said that the injured are being treated in various hospitals in Islamabad and adjoining Rawalpindi city, adding that the death toll might further rise as several people among the injured are in critical condition.

    Following the blast, security forces, police and rescue teams have cordoned off the site and launched a search operation, with the law enforcers investigating the nature of the explosion.

    According to eyewitnesses, a suicide bomber detonated himself after being stopped at the entrance of the mosque, causing casualties while damaging the mosque and nearby buildings.

    Security measures across the capital remain heightened after the incident.

    No individual or group has immediately claimed the attack, but militants such as the Pakistani Taliban and the Islamic State are often involved in attacks against civilians and security forces in the country.

    Condemning the blast, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of innocent lives in the blast and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.

     

  • US Lawmaker Confirms Plan to Divide Nigeria, Gives fresh details

    US Lawmaker Confirms Plan to Divide Nigeria, Gives fresh details

     

    Confirming that he was recently in Nigeria, United States lawmaker, Senator Riley Moore said he held several high-level meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders.

    Confirming that he was recently in Nigeria, United States lawmaker, Senator Riley Moore said he held several high-level meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders.

    A United States lawmaker, Senator Riley Moore, has denied claims that the United States is considering any plan to divide Nigeria, following rising concerns linked to insecurity and separatist agitations in parts of the country.

    Moore addressed the issue on Saturday after reports emerged suggesting that discussions around Nigeria’s possible division were raised during his recent visit to the country. He described the claims as false and misleading.

    Confirming that he was recently in Nigeria, the senator said he held several high-level meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders but stressed that none of the engagements involved talks about breaking up the country.

    “At no point did the idea of dividing Nigeria come up in any serious way,” Moore said, emphasising that the subject was never part of any formal or informal discussions.

    The US lawmaker warned that promoting separatist agendas would further destabilise Nigeria’s already fragile security situation. According to him, such actions would have severe consequences for vulnerable communities, particularly Christians in the North and Middle Belt regions.

    “Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria, especially in the North and Middle Belt,” Moore said, adding that instability would only strengthen terrorist groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    He further noted that a destabilised Nigeria would pose broader risks to regional security, stating that it would “embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent.”

    Moore reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian and security initiatives aimed at protecting lives across the country, stressing that his concern extends to all Nigerians affected by terrorism and violent extremism.

    “I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ and, for that matter, all Nigerians suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria,” he said.

    The senator also highlighted recent progress in bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States, disclosing that both countries have entered into a new security cooperation agreement.

    He described the agreement as a significant step towards tackling insecurity, noting that it would deepen collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and strengthen joint efforts to combat terrorism.

    According to Moore, the partnership reflects a shared commitment by both nations to Nigeria’s stability, sovereignty, and long-term security.

     

  • Gaza hospitals on brink as Israel stops vital medicines, equipment coming in

    Gaza hospitals on brink as Israel stops vital medicines, equipment coming in

     

    Gaza’s health ministry says remaining hospitals can no longer treat patients as shortages worsen and Israeli attacks continue

    Most of Gaza’s health infrastructure has been destroyed by Israel [Getty]

    Gaza’s remaining functioning hospitals have become little more than forced waiting stations for thousands of patients and wounded people facing an unknown fate, the enclave’s Ministry of Health said, amid continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement and renewed attacks across the territory on Saturday.

    The ministry said the remaining operational hospitals are no longer able to meet medical needs due to severe shortages of medicines and supplies, warning that the healthcare system is on the brink of total collapse.

    It reported that 46% of essential medicines, 66% of medical consumables, and 84% of laboratory and blood bank supplies have been completely depleted, leaving even basic painkillers unavailable.

    According to the ministry, services for cancer patients, blood diseases, surgery, intensive care, and primary healthcare are among the most severely affected.

    It said limited quantities of medicines entering Gaza fall far short of actual needs, stressing that temporary emergency measures are insufficient and renewing urgent appeals for immediate international intervention to replenish medical stocks.

    90% of healthcare facilities damaged or destroyed
    In a separate report, the Palestinian news agency Wafa said Israeli attacks have destroyed around 90% of Gaza’s healthcare facilities either fully or partially, forcing them out of service. Of Gaza’s 38 hospitals, only 18 are partially operational.

    Most of the facilities are concentrated in the central areas and Deir al-Balah, while northern Gaza faces an almost complete absence of specialised medical services.

    The report added that more than 1,240 doctors, nurses, and paramedics have been killed since the start of the war.

    Around 11,000 cancer patients are facing life-threatening conditions due to the depletion of chemotherapy drugs and the shutdown of radiotherapy equipment, while dialysis centres are struggling with equipment failures and shortages of filters and solutions.

    The health ministry said more than 1.5 million cases of infectious diseases have been recorded, including viral hepatitis, acute gastrointestinal infections, and skin diseases, largely due to the destruction of sewage networks and water contamination.

    It added that around 18,000 wounded and chronically ill patients are in critical condition and urgently require medical evacuation abroad, while only about 1% of those in need are permitted to leave each month.

    Continued attacks
    The health crisis is unfolding as Israeli forces continue military operations across the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire agreement that came into force in October. On Friday evening, several Palestinians were injured in renewed airstrikes and gunfire targeting multiple areas.

    One Palestinian was wounded by Israeli gunfire in the town of al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis, while five others were injured after heavy fire from Israeli tanks struck displacement tents in the al-Buraq neighbourhood, south of the city. Another person was shot in central Deir al-Balah.

    Israeli warplanes also completely destroyed a multi-storey residential building near the Asqula roundabout in the al-Zeitoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, after issuing a brief evacuation warning only minutes before the attack. Earlier on Friday, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire in northern Gaza.

    Israeli helicopter gunships opened heavy fire on Rafah in the south of the Strip, while military vehicles targeted areas east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Palestinian media also reported gunfire from Israeli forces near al-Bureij refugee camp and along the coast of Khan Younis in the early hours of Saturday.

    The Gaza health ministry said that since the ceasefire came into effect last October, 574 Palestinians have been killed and 1,518 injured. Since the start of the Israeli assault in October 2023, the death toll has reached 71,851, with 171,626 injured.