Paphael News

The community of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been thrown into distress following the kidnapping of the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, by armed bandits. The traditional ruler was abducted early Saturday morning while working on his farm, according to local sources familiar with the incident. Eyewitness accounts reported by community members revealed that the attackers stormed the farm in large numbers, firing shots into the air to scare off workers before seizing the monarch. According to residents, the abduction occurred swiftly, leaving people in the area in a state of fear and confusion. Following the kidnapping, the abductors have now reportedly contacted the community, demanding a ransom of N150 million before the traditional ruler can regain his freedom. According to a family source, the bandits issued their demand during a phone call hours after the abduction, warning the community against involving security agencies. Community elde...

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Economic Community of West African States to take urgent and decisive action following the unfolding political crisis in Guinea Bissau. His appeal comes in the wake of a military takeover that has disrupted the nation’s electoral process and triggered fresh concerns about democratic stability in the region. According to statements shared by individuals familiar with his position, Jonathan expressed strong concern over the abrupt seizure of power by the military and the subsequent suspension of democratic activities. He urged ECOWAS leaders to compel the junta to immediately announce the results of the disputed national elections and to release detained opposition figures who were arrested during the upheaval. Jonathan, who has long been involved in regional peacebuilding efforts, reportedly emphasized that a firm and coordinated response is essential to prevent the political situation from deteriorating further. According...

A traditional ruler in Kwara State has been abducted by armed bandits, heightening fears over the growing wave of insecurity affecting communities across northern Nigeria. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has drawn widespread condemnation from residents, community leaders, and security analysts. According to community sources, the monarch was seized from his palace after a group of heavily armed men stormed the area, firing sporadically into the air to scare residents. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and operated for several minutes without any resistance from security operatives, raising questions about the vulnerability of rural communities. Residents told reporters that the assailants forced their way into the traditional ruler’s private quarters before whisking him away to an unknown location. One villager said the community was “thrown into panic” as families rushed indoors while the gunmen carried out the attack under the cover o...

Popular international televangelist Benny Hinn and his wife, Suzanne Hinn, have officially divorced for the second time, marking another turning point in their long and often turbulent 46-year relationship. The development, according to sources close to the family , has drawn widespread attention among Christian audiences worldwide who have followed the couple’s marital journey for decades. Benny and Suzanne first married in 1979 and became one of the most recognized ministry couples globally, working together across numerous evangelical missions and international crusades. However, their relationship experienced significant strain over the years. They first divorced in 2010, a decision that at the time was attributed to “irreconcilable differences,” according to earlier public statements from the family . Their reconciliation in 2013 was celebrated in Christian circles, with the couple renewing their vows in a widely publicized ceremony attended by several prominent church leaders. ...

  Former President Goodluck Jonathan has offered a detailed explanation regarding his return to Nigeria aboard an aircraft provided by the government of Côte d’Ivoire, following the political turmoil that broke out in Guinea Bissau earlier in the week. According to Jonathan, he had travelled to Guinea Bissau in his capacity as Chairman of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) to engage in scheduled peace and strengthening-democracy consultations. However, violent unrest in parts of the country abruptly altered the security landscape and forced a reassessment of movement plans. The former president said the evolving situation made it necessary for regional partners to step in to ensure his safe departure. Jonathan explained that, according to officials familiar with the situation , Guinea Bissau’s airspace briefly experienced strategic restrictions after the disturbance erupted, complicating normal flight operations. As a result, Côte d’Ivoire offered one of its presidential jets ...

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a University of Port Harcourt student, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, in 2023. The judgment, delivered on Thursday, brings a decisive close to a case that drew widespread public attention due to the ages of the individuals involved and the shocking nature of the crime. According to court findings, Okoligwe, a 400 level Petrochemical Engineering student, murdered Justina, a 300 level Biochemistry student, in October 2023 at his residence in Port Harcourt. The court held that the prosecution provided compelling evidence establishing that the young man intentionally caused the death of his girlfriend. During the trial, the prosecution presented witness testimonies, forensic reports and material exhibits said to have been recovered from the crime scene. These details, according to investigators, pointed directly to Okoligwe as the perpetrator. The ...

Portugal has secured its first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Austria in a dramatic final that showcased discipline, resilience, and exceptional individual brilliance. The landmark win marks a defining moment in the nation’s youth football history, signaling the rise of a new generation of talent ready to carry the country’s footballing legacy forward. The decisive moment came courtesy of Anísio Cabral, whose perfectly timed strike in the second half sealed the win for Portugal. Cabral’s goal, a composed finish inside the box following a well-executed build-up, proved to be the difference in a match that remained tight from start to finish. The Portuguese side demonstrated strong tactical organization and controlled the tempo for much of the encounter, while Austria matched their intensity with solid defensive structure and quick transitions. Despite finishing as runners-up, Austria produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, la...

A notorious bandit commander has sparked outrage across the country after boasting openly in a newly circulated video that his group remains untouchable despite ongoing military operations in northern Nigeria. The footage, which surfaced on social media late Tuesday, shows the armed leader surrounded by dozens of fighters as he boldly claims that the Nigerian government lacks the capacity to curb their activities. In the video, the bandit leader is heard saying, “We are the big boys of Nigeria. There is nothing the government can do to stop us.” His declaration, according to online observers who shared the footage widely, appears to be a direct challenge to the nation’s security agencies and a warning that the criminal group intends to intensify its operations. Security analysts who reviewed the clips said the message was not only provocative but a deliberate attempt to display strength. According to one security expert who spoke on air during a radio programme, the video reflects ...

Nigeria’s security crisis again came under sharp national scrutiny after the murder of Venerable Edwin Achi, an Anglican priest abducted in Kaduna State, even after his family reportedly paid a ransom running into millions of naira. According to Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni, who fought back tears while speaking on air, the bandits “returned only his dead body after the ransom was paid,” a revelation that has intensified public outrage. Oseni, during his emotional tribute, stated that “Nigeria has happened to him,” according to his live commentary. He explained that the family had successfully raised the reduced ransom of one hundred million naira, reported by those close to the negotiations. Despite this effort, the abductors later informed the family to retrieve the cleric’s remains, saying the body had already begun to decompose. Oseni described the killing as targeted, adding that “he was killed because he was a clergyman,” as reported by his on-air remarks. Venerable Achi, who ...

The federal government of Nigeria has intensified diplomatic engagements aimed at securing the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan following the recent coup in Guinea Bissau. Jonathan, who has been in the country on an official assignment as a special envoy, became temporarily stranded after military officers announced that they had taken control of the government. According to senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja began working immediately with regional partners once the situation escalated in Bissau. The officials said the government is “fully committed” to ensuring Jonathan’s well-being and prompt evacuation. One senior diplomat noted that the situation was being handled with “the urgency and discretion demanded by the circumstances,” according to internal briefings shared on Wednesday. Jonathan had travelled to the West African nation as part of ongoing mediation efforts under the Economic Community of West African States. His presence in Guine...

A remarkable moment unfolded on a Zimbabwe safari after a wild dog narrowly escaped death by pretending to be lifeless as a lioness clamped its jaws around it. The dramatic encounter, which was captured on camera by stunned tourists, has quickly drawn global attention for what many are calling one of nature’s most extraordinary survival tactics. According to safari guides who witnessed the event, the confrontation began when a pack of African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, was scouting for food near a watering area inside Mana Pools National Park. As the group moved through the bushes, a lone lioness ambushed them, striking one of the dogs with extraordinary speed. Eyewitness report from the tour group stated that the lioness “grabbed the dog by the neck and shook it violently,” a move typically fatal for prey in such encounters. However, in what experts describe as a rare but instinctive defense mechanism, the wild dog suddenly went limp. Reported by visitors who recorded ...

Celebrity Traitors star Ruth Codd has opened up about the mindset she carried into a major medical procedure, revealing that she hoped the operation would leave her feeling “pretty unstoppable.” According to remarks shared by the actress before the surgery, she viewed the intervention not only as a necessary medical step, but also as an opportunity to regain confidence and push past previous physical challenges. Codd, who gained a strong following for her distinctive personality and resilience on the hit reality competition series, has long been candid about her health journey. Reported by those close to the production team, she was determined to approach the procedure with optimism and a sense of empowerment. The actress said her goal was to emerge from the operation with renewed strength, both physically and mentally. Friends and colleagues described her attitude before the surgery as bold and forward-looking. One associate stated that she had been “focused on long-term healing” a...

A devastating fire swept through a high rise public housing complex in Hong Kong early Wednesday, killing at least fifty five people and leaving about two hundred and seventy others missing. Authorities described the incident as one of the deadliest residential tragedies the city has recorded in recent years. According to officials from the Fire Services Department, the blaze started on the lower floors of the thirty storey building shortly before sunrise. Strong internal drafts and outdated ventilation systems reportedly helped the fire spread rapidly, engulfing multiple levels within minutes. Firefighters at the scene said they encountered intense heat, collapsing debris and thick smoke that made rescue efforts extremely difficult. One officer described the conditions as “near zero visibility,” according to local emergency briefings. Eyewitness report from residents living in nearby blocks revealed that flames erupted from several windows as thick black smoke billowed upward. Some ...

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily halted the processing of immigration applications from Afghanistan following a violent incident in Washington, where two National Guard members were shot and severely wounded. The agency said the suspension will remain in place while officials conduct a comprehensive reassessment of existing security and vetting procedures. According to officials, the suspect in Wednesday’s attack entered the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021. Authorities disclosed that the investigation is still in its early stages, but preliminary findings indicate that the individual’s immigration history and background checks have become central to ongoing national security discussions. The shooting, which occurred in downtown Washington, left the two service members in critical condition and triggered an immediate response from federal security agencies. A witness statement reported by local emergency responders described the ...

The Anglican community in Kaduna State has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Venerable Edwin Achi, a respected priest who was abducted alongside his wife and daughter. His passing was confirmed by the Anglican Diocese, which described the incident as a devastating blow to both the church and the wider Christian community in the region. According to the Diocese, Achi died while in the custody of his captors, marking yet another painful episode in the ongoing wave of insecurity affecting parts of northern Nigeria. The cleric was taken hostage several days ago after armed men reportedly invaded his residence in Kaduna. His wife and daughter were also abducted during the attack, although the Diocese has not yet released full details concerning their current condition. Church officials, speaking on the situation, expressed deep sorrow at the news, saying that Venerable Achi’s death highlights the growing dangers faced by clergy and ordinary citizens in rural and urb...

Washington DC was thrown into shock on Wednesday after two National Guardsmen were shot in a sudden burst of gunfire near a busy intersection in the downtown area. The incident, which unfolded at approximately midday, triggered an immediate response from local police and federal security agencies, heightening concerns about public safety in one of the most heavily secured cities in the United States. According to early police briefings, the two service members were on routine patrol duty when an unidentified assailant opened fire at close range. Eye witness report from nearby shop owners described hearing “multiple rapid shots” before seeing the victims collapse. Several pedestrians fled the area in panic as emergency sirens quickly filled the streets. Authorities said both Guardsmen were rushed to a nearby hospital moments after the attack. Medical officials, according to statements released later in the day, confirmed that the soldiers sustained serious but survivable injuries. On...

A heartwarming tribute from an animal handler has captured public attention after he shared a moving message about his porcupine, Lola, on his Animal Adventure Facebook page. According to the handler, Lola has become more than just a unique attraction; she has become a symbol of trust, patience, and the importance of looking beyond outward appearances. In the post, he explained that Lola, like all porcupines, is naturally covered in thousands of sharp quills capable of causing serious injury. Yet, despite this, he emphasized that she has never harmed him. “Every time I’m with Lola, she reminds me of something important,” he said, according to the message posted on his page. “She could hurt me without even trying. She’s covered in thousands of quills. But when she’s with me… she won’t.” He went on to describe Lola’s gentle behavior, noting that she moves slowly around him, leans in softly, and even adjusts her body to ensure her quills never make contact. The handler explained that th...

Guinea Bissau was plunged into heightened political uncertainty on Wednesday after senior military officers announced that they had taken “total control” of the country, a move that included the immediate closure of national borders and the suspension of the ongoing electoral process. The declaration came just three days after citizens participated in general elections intended to shape the next phase of leadership in the coup-prone West African nation. According to military officials who addressed the nation in a televised statement, the decision was taken to “preserve national stability” amid what they described as growing tensions following the vote. The officers claimed that certain political actors were attempting to disrupt the democratic process and endanger public order, prompting what they called “necessary intervention” to ensure security. The statement, as reported by local media, emphasized that the armed forces had assumed authority to “restore calm and protect state ins...

The Israeli Defence Force has paid tribute to Dror Or, one of the many civilians killed during the October 7 assault carried out by Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives. The IDF released the statement on its official Facebook page, describing Or’s death as a profound loss to his family, his community, and the nation. According to the IDF statement, Dror Or, aged 48, was murdered during what it described as the October 7 Massacre, a coordinated terror attack that targeted several southern Israeli communities. Eyewitness reports and official accounts noted that armed militants infiltrated residential areas, causing widespread casualties and devastation. The military further reported that after being killed, Or’s body was abducted and taken to Gaza, adding to the anguish experienced by his family and the entire Kibbutz Be’eri community. The tragedy did not end with Dror. His wife, Yonat Or, was also murdered during the same attack, according to the IDF’s publication. The couple leave beh...

The United States Department of Defense on Friday released a series of striking photographs capturing F-15 fighter jets engaged in active operations, offering the public a rare glimpse into ongoing American air readiness. According to officials who authorized the publication of the images, the release was part of a broader effort to highlight the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force as global security challenges continue to evolve. The newly released photos show F-15 aircraft executing various maneuvers in what defense sources described as routine but critical operational activities. The images, reported by defense analysts reviewing the release, reveal pilots conducting high-speed flights, tactical positioning, and aerial coordination exercises. According to the Department of Defense, the visual documentation demonstrates not only the agility of the aircraft but also the high level of preparedness maintained by U.S. air crews. The F-15, first introduced in the 1970s, remains one of t...

An Italian man has been arrested after allegedly disguising himself as his deceased mother for several years in order to illegally collect her pension payments. The unusual case, which has drawn widespread attention across Italy, was revealed by local authorities earlier this week after a lengthy investigation into suspicious financial activity linked to the woman’s bank account. According to investigators, the suspect, a man in his fifties whose identity has not yet been publicly released, reportedly went to extraordinary lengths to maintain the illusion that his mother was still alive. Police said the man frequently left his home dressed in clothing belonging to his late mother, complete with a wig, scarf, and oversized sunglasses, in order to appear elderly and female. This disguise was allegedly used to withdraw monthly pension funds at a local post office. Authorities began monitoring the man after post office staff noticed inconsistencies in his behavior. An employee raised co...

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has been thrust into a new wave of controversy following allegations that it censored a Dutch author and historian by removing a remark critical of former United States President Donald Trump from one of its flagship radio lecture series. The dispute emerged on Tuesday when the historian publicly accused the broadcaster of deliberately deleting a key phrase from his recorded lecture. According to the historian’s account, the removed phrase referenced what he described as “troubling political tendencies” associated with President Trump, a statement he believed was essential to the integrity of his argument. The author claimed that the alteration was made without his consent, describing the move as “unacceptable interference” and “a distortion of intellectual work.” The BBC Reith Lectures, the prestigious radio series at the heart of the dispute, has long been revered for its commitment to free inquiry and intellectual openness. However, the h...

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has opened up about the lasting physical and psychological impact of the severe facial injury he suffered in 2021, revealing that the damage remains so significant that he still eats only on one side of his face. His remarks have once again drawn attention to the seriousness of the injury that changed the trajectory of his football career. Osimhen, who sustained multiple facial fractures during a Serie A match in November 2021, said the trauma goes beyond what many fans see when he steps onto the pitch wearing his iconic protective mask. According to the player, the injury required extensive surgery involving multiple plates and screws, a procedure that doctors had earlier described as one of the most delicate cases handled that year. The Nigerian striker explained that although he has returned to elite football and continues to deliver top level performances, the injury permanently altered how he uses parts of his face. In his words, “I only eat o...

Nigeria’s historic dominance at the FIFA U17 World Cup may soon come under pressure as Austria’s rising star, Johannes Moser, edges dangerously close to breaking Victor Osimhen’s long-standing goal record. Osimhen’s iconic ten-goal tally, achieved during the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, has remained untouched for nearly a decade and is widely regarded as one of the nation’s proudest football achievements. According to reports from Qatar, where the 2025 edition of the tournament is being held, Moser has delivered a stunning performance throughout the competition and now heads into the final with eight goals. Football analysts say he is just two strikes away from matching Osimhen’s milestone, and a hat-trick in the championship match would see the Nigerian’s record officially rewritten. Portugal’s Anísio Cabral also remains in contention with six goals, though insiders note that the spotlight has firmly shifted to Moser following his explosive semi-final display. As reported by tournament ...

A community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria , has been thrown into turmoil after armed terrorists launched a coordinated night raid, abducting a pregnant woman, ten children, and several nursing mothers. The attack, which unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, has heightened fear across the region and drawn urgent attention from security authorities. According to residents who witnessed the attack, the armed men stormed the community around midnight, firing intermittently to instill fear as they moved from house to house. An eyewitness report described how the attackers specifically targeted homes where women and children resided, forcing them out at gunpoint before marching them into the nearby forest. Community members said the operation lasted for hours without immediate security intervention, a situation they blamed on the limited security presence in rural parts of Kwara State. According to local sources, the abductors fled toward remote forest routes com...

The British Government has formally rejected Nigeria’s request to transfer former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United Kingdom for organ trafficking. This development was reported on Monday by The Guardian UK, according to information made available through the British press. According to reports from The Guardian UK, Nigerian authorities had submitted a formal plea under international prisoner transfer arrangements, seeking to have Ekweremadu returned to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his sentence. The request was made through diplomatic channels and was part of ongoing engagement between the two nations concerning the welfare and legal status of Nigerian nationals convicted abroad. However, the British Government declined the request, citing the conditions of Ekweremadu’s conviction, the seriousness of the offence, and the UK’s established policies on prisoner transfers. According to British justice officials quoted i...

Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for the immediate release of more than 300 students and members of the Christian community who were abducted in a series of mass kidnappings across Nigeria. The Pope made the call during a prayer session at the Vatican, where he expressed deep concern over the rising wave of abductions targeting schoolchildren and worshippers in parts of the country. According to Vatican officials who briefed international correspondents, the Pope described the ongoing attacks as “deeply troubling” and urged the global community to stand in solidarity with the affected families. He extended prayers for the safe return of all victims, noting that no society can progress when its children and faithful are unsafe. The appeal follows multiple reports from local security agencies and community leaders indicating that armed groups have intensified their activities in northern and central Nigeria. In one of the most recent incidents, hundreds of students were reporte...

A sense of relief is spreading across parts of Niger State following the safe return of fifty pupils who were kidnapped from St Mary’s Catholic Secondary School. The students, who had been abducted earlier in the week by unidentified armed men, managed to escape their captors and reunite with their families over the weekend. The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the development in a statement, describing the children’s return as “good news” for both the community and the country. According to the association, the pupils successfully fled between Friday and Saturday, making their way back to safety despite the difficult circumstances surrounding their abduction. The encouraging update was first highlighted by Channels Television. According to a report shared by Channels TV on Facebook, the escape took place in phases as the frightened pupils sought help from nearby residents and security personnel after breaking away from the kidnappers. The broadcaster noted that the communi...

Residents of a typically peaceful California foothill neighborhood were met with an extraordinary surprise earlier this week when a mountain lion slipped through an open patio door and wandered into a family’s living room. The homeowners, who had briefly stepped out, later reviewed their security footage and discovered a scene that seemed almost unbelievable. According to the family, the large cat did not behave like a predator on the prowl. Instead, the footage showed the mountain lion calmly exploring the room with a measured curiosity. Moments later, the wild visitor began engaging with the children’s toys scattered around the space. A feather wand was tossed into the air, plush animals were nudged across the floor, and a small blue rubber ball rolled in playful arcs as the lion tapped it with its paw. Eyewitness accounts from the family describe the sight as both surreal and strangely gentle. For several minutes, the powerful animal moved with the ease and innocence of a househo...