Paphael News

Tragedy struck in Billiri town, Gombe State, Nigeria, on Sunday when a truck carrying grains lost control and ploughed into a crowd participating in an Easter procession, leaving five people dead and eight others injured. The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi. According to the statement, the accident occurred along the Yola-Gombe Road as the vehicle approached the town, where a large number of Christian faithful had gathered to commemorate the Easter celebration. Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, specifically a brake malfunction, which led the truck to veer off its lane and crash into the celebrants. Among those affected were both Christians taking part in the procession and Muslim residents who were observing the event from the roadside. “The truck was conveying grains from the Yola axis to Gombe when it d...

  VATICAN CITY – In a somber announcement early Monday morning, the Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The pontiff passed away peacefully in the Vatican following recent health challenges, the Holy See said in an official statement. The Argentine-born Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and was the first pope from the Americas, as well as the first Jesuit to hold the papal office. He was elected to the papacy in March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI — an event that marked the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. Despite ongoing health concerns in recent years, Pope Francis remained active in his papal duties. He made a surprise public appearance during the Easter Sunday celebrations at Saint Peter’s Square, where he delivered a brief message of hope and unity to thousands of pilgrims gathered from around the world. His presence was met with emotional reactions and wide...

 In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a senior Hamas official has confirmed the group's rejection of a recent ceasefire proposal put forward by Israel earlier this week. Instead, Hamas has reiterated its demand for a more comprehensive and inclusive agreement aimed at bringing an end to the war. The proposed ceasefire was part of an Israeli diplomatic effort to de-escalate the current hostilities, which have resulted in considerable loss of life and widespread destruction, particularly in the Gaza Strip. While the specifics of the Israeli offer have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate it may have included terms related to a temporary halt in fighting and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Hamas, the Islamist militant group that governs the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and several other countries, has dismissed the proposal as inadequate. Speakin...

The persistent wave of violence in Nigeria’s North Central region has taken a disturbing turn, as no fewer than 144 individuals have lost their lives in Plateau and Benue states within the past 14 days, following a series of brutal attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen. The spate of killings has raised fresh concerns over the nation’s deteriorating security situation. In the latest attack, which occurred late Tuesday, at least 13 more people were confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. In addition to the human casualties, over 50 residential structures were set ablaze during the onslaught, displacing numerous families and leaving entire communities in mourning. Local sources report that the attacks were carried out in multiple waves, with armed assailants storming villages in coordinated operations, often during the night when residents are most vulnerable. The affected communities are primarily agrarian and have repeatedly found themselves at ...

United States envoy Steve Witkoff concluded a fresh round of high-level diplomatic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, as tensions persist over Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. The meetings, which took place over two days in Moscow, are part of renewed efforts by the U.S. to push for a diplomatic resolution to the nearly three-year-old conflict. The visit follows a direct appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, earlier this week, publicly urged President Putin to act swiftly to bring an end to what he described as Russia’s “senseless war” with Ukraine. Trump, who has remained vocally critical of the war since leaving office, emphasized the humanitarian cost and geopolitical instability caused by the conflict. According to sources close to the discussions, Witkoff reiterated the U.S. stance on the importance of de-escalation and emphasized the need for immediate steps toward a ceasefire. While no breakthroughs were announced, both sides r...

The boxing community has been left in shock and mourning following the tragic passing of former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a bout in Ghana on Saturday. Olanrewaju, a well-respected figure in Nigerian boxing, was competing in a scheduled fight when he suddenly fell unconscious in the ring. Medical personnel on site rushed to his aid, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The exact cause of his death remains unclear, with medical experts expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the circumstances surrounding his collapse. The incident has raised concerns about the health and safety measures in boxing, especially regarding pre-fight medical screenings and emergency response protocols. Born and raised in Nigeria, Olanrewaju was known for his resilience, skill, and dedication to the sport. He earned the moniker “Success” through his impressive career, which saw him claim both...

  A powerful earthquake, measuring over 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck Aungban at approximately 12:53 PM on March 28, causing widespread destruction, including the collapse of the Aungban Hotel. Several individuals remain trapped inside the wreckage, according to local sources. "The earthquake caused the building to collapse moments ago. People are trapped inside, and rescue operations are currently underway," a local resident reported. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, medical personnel, and search-and-rescue crews, have been deployed to the site to locate and assist those trapped in the debris. Authorities are working urgently to clear rubble and provide aid to survivors. The number of casualties and the full extent of the damage remain unconfirmed at this time, but officials have urged residents to stay clear of affected areas as aftershocks could further endanger the stability of structures. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the tremors struck...

A devastating earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Saturday, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes in panic as tremors rippled across the country. The powerful quake, which occurred at approximately 4:18 a.m. local time, was centered in the remote northern region of Kachin State, near the border with China and India. According to the Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the earthquake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, making it a shallow but destructive seismic event. Widespread reports from local authorities and humanitarian agencies indicate that thousands of people have been displaced as a result of the earthquake. In several towns and villages near the epicenter, buildings collapsed, roads were cracked open, and communication infrastructure was severely affected. Major cities, including Mandalay and Yangon, felt the tremors, causing temporary power outages and prompting residents to evacuate buildings. Early assessments f...

  A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Thursday, March 28, sending strong tremors across the region and causing widespread panic in neighboring countries, including Thailand. The quake, which occurred in the early hours, had its epicenter in central Myanmar but was felt as far away as Bangkok, where buildings swayed and residents rushed out to open spaces in fear. According to geological monitoring agencies, the earthquake struck at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, making it a shallow quake with the potential to cause significant surface damage. The tremor’s impact was immediately felt in Myanmar’s cities, with reports of damaged buildings, cracked roads, and temporary power outages. Emergency services were quickly deployed to assess the damage and assist affected communities. In Bangkok, more than 600 kilometers away from the epicenter, the shaking was strong enough to be felt in high-rise buildings and office complexes. Videos share...

A senior figure within the Islamic State (IS) terror group has been killed in a coordinated operation between U.S. and Iraqi forces, marking a significant blow to the extremist organization’s leadership network. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay'i, who was identified as the group's deputy caliph. The announcement was made on Friday via his official social media account, where he described the operation as a “major security achievement” for Iraq and its partners in the ongoing fight against terrorism. According to the Prime Minister, Iraq’s intelligence services successfully located and neutralized al-Rufay’i in an operation conducted with the support and cooperation of U.S. military and intelligence personnel. Details regarding the location and circumstances of the raid were not immediately disclosed, but Iraqi and U.S. officials have characterized the mission as the result of months of intelligence gathering a...

The Israeli military has intensified its operations in southern Gaza, ordering mass evacuations as airstrikes target key Hamas positions. The escalation comes amid reports from Hamas that a senior figure within the group has been killed in an Israeli airstrike. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have ramped up their offensive in response to continued hostilities, with air and ground operations focusing on areas believed to be harboring militants and weapons stockpiles. The military has issued evacuation orders to civilians in targeted regions, urging them to seek safety as air raids intensify. Hamas confirmed the death of a senior leader but did not immediately disclose their identity. The strike marks a significant blow to the organization, which has been engaged in ongoing conflict with Israel. The IDF has not yet commented on the specific operation that led to the reported killing but has reiterated its commitment to dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure and preventing further attacks on...

 Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a decisive move against oil-related crimes, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 18 illegal refineries, arrested 12 suspects, and recovered 138,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region. The operation, part of the military’s ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and environmental degradation, targeted illicit refining sites known for siphoning and processing stolen crude oil. According to a statement from the Division, the raids were executed across several hotspot locations notorious for illegal bunkering activities. Brigadier General Olufemi Akinjobi, the spokesperson for the 6 Division, emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains committed to tackling economic sabotage and protecting the country’s oil infrastructure. "Our operatives have intensified surveillance and ground operations to curb crude oil theft, which has continued to threaten Nigeria’s economy and the environment," he stated. During the o...

  The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This significant escalation in casualties underscores the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The hostilities reignited following a Hamas attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,400 Israelis and the abduction of over 200 individuals. In response, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and deployed ground forces into Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure and secure the release of hostages. These military operations have contributed to the substantial Palestinian death toll reported by Gaza's health authorities. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply due to a total Israeli blockade entering its fourth week. Medical professionals and aid workers have issued warnings about rising malnutrition rates among the population. The blo...

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly denounced what he described as the “poison of antisemitism” following a shocking attack on the chief rabbi of Orleans, a central French city. The assault, which authorities are treating as an antisemitic hate crime, has sparked national outrage and renewed discussions on combating religious intolerance in France. The attack occurred when the chief rabbi, whose identity has not been disclosed, was confronted and physically assaulted by an unknown individual. Details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the assailant targeted the religious leader due to his Jewish faith. Law enforcement officials are treating the case with the utmost seriousness, emphasizing that hate crimes of this nature will not be tolerated. In a statement on Saturday, President Macron expressed his firm condemnation of the act, calling antisemitism a “venom that corrodes our society.” He reaffirmed his administration’s c...

George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, has passed away at the age of 76. His death was confirmed on Friday through a verified social media account dedicated to his legacy. Foreman, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, rose to prominence with his incredible power and resilience inside the ring. He captured the world’s attention in 1968 when he won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the Mexico City Olympics. His dominance continued into the professional ranks, where he won the world heavyweight title in 1973 after defeating Joe Frazier in a stunning second-round knockout. One of the defining moments of Foreman’s career came in 1974 when he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). The bout, considered one of the greatest in boxing history, saw Ali employ his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, allowing Foreman to tire himself out before deliver...

  U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Sunday that his administration has no plans to ease tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, signaling a firm stance amid escalating trade disputes with major global partners. Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized that the tariffs, which were introduced as part of his administration's broader trade policy, would remain in place despite ongoing negotiations and increasing concerns over potential economic repercussions. The announcement comes at a time when the U.S. is engaged in high-stakes trade discussions with several nations, including China, Canada, and the European Union. The tariffs, originally imposed in 2018, set a 25% duty on steel imports and a 10% duty on aluminum imports, justified by the administration as a necessary measure to protect domestic industries and safeguard national security. However, the move has faced criticism from trade allies and industry leaders, who argue that the tariffs have disrupted supply chains and ...

The United States has officially declared South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata, marking a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations. The announcement was made on Friday by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement that underscored growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Rubio confirmed the decision in a post on the social media platform X, stating that Rasool was “no longer welcome in our great country.” The move signals a sharp escalation in diplomatic friction and raises questions about the future of U.S.-South Africa relations. The declaration of persona non grata is one of the strongest diplomatic measures a host country can take against a foreign envoy, effectively ordering them to leave the country. While the U.S. government has not officially disclosed the specific reasons behind the decision, the action reflects mounting disagreements between the two countries on a range of geopolitical a...

Pope Francis has publicly acknowledged his fragile health condition, describing his current situation as a "period of trial" as he continues receiving treatment for pneumonia. The 87-year-old pontiff expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from the faithful worldwide in a message shared from the hospital on Sunday. The Pope, who has faced several health challenges in recent years, was admitted to the hospital last week after experiencing respiratory difficulties. Vatican officials later confirmed that he had been diagnosed with pneumonia and was undergoing treatment, including intravenous antibiotics. Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained engaged in his spiritual and pastoral duties, offering reassurance to the Catholic community. "I thank you for your closeness, for your prayers, and for the affection you have shown me in these days," Pope Francis said in his message. "I am facing a period of trial, but I remain...

 A powerful series of tornadoes tore through the southern United States over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 34 lives. The deadly storms, which struck multiple states including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, also left dozens injured and thousands without power. Emergency response teams have been working around the clock to assess the damage and rescue those trapped in collapsed homes and buildings. Officials fear that the death toll may rise as search efforts continue. The severe weather, which began late Friday and continued through Saturday, generated multiple tornadoes, some of which reached EF-3 and EF-4 strength, packing winds of over 150 mph. In Texas, entire neighborhoods were flattened as twisters ripped through residential areas, overturning vehicles and toppling power lines. Reports from Louisiana and Mississippi indicate widespread flooding and structural damage, with emergency shelters filling up as displaced residents se...

  A devastating fire broke out in a crowded nightclub in North Macedonia, resulting in the deaths of at least 51 people and leaving more than 100 others injured, according to a statement from the country’s Interior Ministry. The incident occurred late Saturday night at a popular entertainment venue, with authorities reporting that the fire spread rapidly, trapping many inside. Emergency response teams arrived quickly at the scene, but the intensity of the blaze and the thick smoke severely hampered rescue efforts. Witnesses described scenes of panic as clubgoers struggled to escape through narrow exits, while first responders worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but initial reports suggest that it may have been triggered by an electrical fault or the improper use of pyrotechnics inside the venue. A full investigation is underway, with forensic teams examining the site to establish the exact sequence of even...