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Israel proposes extended Gaza truce for hostage release

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Israel proposes extended Gaza truce for hostage release

ISRAEL has proposed a prolonged truce in Gaza in exchange for the release of its remaining citizens held as hostages.

Israeli officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity on Monday, March 31, revealed that the proposal included the return of half of the 24 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza, nearly 18 months after they were taken by Hamas-led gunmen.

The ICIR reported that the Israeli military, which has halted aid to Gaza, resumed operations on March 18 following a two-month truce. 

During the ceasefire, 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals were freed in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Israel has said that Hamas military and governmental infrastructure must be completely dismantled and insisted that the group, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, would have no role in the enclave’s future governance.

However, Hamas has expressed willingness to step aside for another Palestinian administration but refuses to disarm and insists on having a say in selecting the next government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, March 30, that his nation would intensify pressure on Hamas while continuing negotiations “under fire.” 

He said sustained military pressure was the most effective way to secure the return of the hostages.

Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s demand for Hamas to disarm, but the Palestinian militant group has rejected the call, calling it a “red line” it will not cross.

Netanyahu said that under a broader settlement, Hamas leaders would be permitted to leave Gaza, a plan he said would also incorporate proposals from President Donald Trump for the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from the densely populated Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, on Monday, March 31, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for Palestinians residing in areas around the southern city of Rafah and announced plans for “intense operations” in the southern part of the enclave.

“The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is returning to intense operations to dismantle the capabilities of the terrorist organisations in these areas,” the military’s Arabic language spokesperson said in a statement.

However, Hamas said at the weekend that it had accepted proposals made by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, which security sources said would entail five hostages being released every week in exchange for a truce.

The ICIR reports that the latest proposals would leave the final agreement on ending the Israel-Hamas war unresolved. Since its onset in October 2023, the conflict has devastated large parts of Gaza, claimed tens of thousands of lives, and displaced nearly the entire population.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen attacked southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023.

According to Israeli reports, the attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 people who were taken into Gaza as hostages.

The Palestinian health authorities said the Israeli military campaign in Gaza had resulted in the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinians.

Netizens argue over whether N77,000 NYSC payment is thanks to Raye’s rant

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Netizens argue over whether N77,000 NYSC payment is thanks to Raye’s rant

NIGERIANS on social media are debating whether the 30-day rant by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, fondly called Raye, compelled President Bola Tinubu’s government to begin paying the new N77,000 monthly allowance to corps members in the country.

The ICIR reports that corps members nationwide began confirming alerts for the N77,000 allowance on Wednesday, March 26, following a six-month delay since its approval in September 2024.

On March 16, Raye, who serves in Lagos State, expressed her frustration in a widely circulated video posted on her Instagram page. She called Tinubu a ‘terrible’ president while condemning rising inflation and the hardship Nigerians faced.

She also noted that the N33,000 monthly allowance she received as a corps member was insufficient to cover her basic needs.

Raye later claimed that the NYSC management ordered her to delete her posts, which she declined.

Her outcry subsequently elicited a huge support for her as eminent and other Nigerians stood with her and urged her to maintain her stance.

In another post on March 17, she urged Nigerian youth to start a 30-day rant challenge against poor government in the country.

The ICIR reported that the Nigerian youth promptly launched an online protest, calling out the government and speaking out against the unbearable cost of living in the country.

On March 20, the Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, announced that the organisation would begin paying the increased allowance by the end of March.

His promise followed failed assurances by the organisation on the payment.

While some social media users believe Raye’s outburst compelled the Nigerian government to begin the payment of the new allowances to the corps members, others think it was a coincidence.

On X, lobistars said, “That’s how a lady called Raye ended up making the N77,000 NYSC allowance effective.

Another user with the name DIVINE T believes Raye is the reason for the payment. “Thanks to her, NYSC now pays N77,000”, the user said.

Users like abazwhyllzz, @__CD2, and yemiofrheworld appreciated Raye for her outburst.

Similarly, TifeChris said, “It took a brave lady to speak up before NYSC started paying corp members N77,000, funds disbursed since last year…. Oh Thank you Raye. I hope Nigerians would drop the act of cowardice and learn that there’s actual power in speaking up.”

Emeka Gift Official wrote on Facebook, “Many of NYSC members actually don’t know that someone challenged the status quo before they were able to receive their N77,000 monthly allowance. Without her boldness and zeal, which never succumbed to intimidation/bullying, many of you would have continued to receive N33,000.

“Ushie Rita Uguamaye is the source of your happiness, the reason you received N77,000 instead of N33,000. But many of you opposed her; some said she shouldn’t speak out at this time.”

However, some users opine that Raye’s outburst had nothing to do with the payment.

Zakiru Alhaji, on Facebook, is among people with such a thought, “When the Federal Government didn’t pay the N77,000 allowance, they called the government’s promise a scam. Now that the N77,000 is fulfilled, they’re saying the Lagos female corps member is the hero.”

Alhaji said Tinubu’s government was determined to effect the payment, and it made good its words.

An X user, Trending, wrote, “One week after all the Raye’s buzz, Federal Government starts paying the N77,000 that has been promised since June 2024. Excited Nigerians are saying, if not for Raye’s outburst, the Federal Government would not have paid it.

Sadly and respectfully, while her voice was successfully heard, it had no effect on NYSC allowance. The reason it tarried was because of the 2025 budget. Without Raye, NYSC would pay N77,000 this March or April.”

Social media critic Daniel Regha also argued that Raye was not the reason for the new allowance. He emphasised that discussions about the allowance payment had been underway before her viral video.

“Raye isn’t the reason the government started paying NYSC N77,000. Her outburst raised debates, but this has been an ongoing conversation for a long time,” Regha wrote.

I’m very angry, frustrated with Putin over Ukraine, says DonaldTrump

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
I’m very angry, frustrated with Putin over Ukraine, says DonaldTrump

UNITED States President, Donald Trump, said on Sunday that he was “very angry and frustrated” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, signaling a significant shift in tone as Washington pushes to end the war in Ukraine.

This was revealed by Kristen Welker of NBC news, who said that Trump had called her to express his anger over Putin questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s future as a leader.

Welker, on her NBC show, “Meet The Press” on Sunday, quoted directly from an early-morning telephone conversation with the president.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault… I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.

Trump told Welker that he “was very angry, pissed off” over Putin’s recent comments about Zelensky’s credibility and talking about new leadership in Ukraine.

 The ICIR reported that President Trump has been advocating for a swift resolution to the over three-year war since assuming office, but his administration has yet to achieve a breakthrough despite ongoing negotiations with both sides.

Putin rejected a joint America-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and, on Friday, suggested that Zelensky be removed from office as a condition for peace.

Putin, who has been in power for 25 years and repeatedly re-elected in uncontested votes, has frequently challenged Zelensky’s “legitimacy” as president since his initial five-year mandate ended in May 2024.

Trump himself has had a turbulent relationship with Zelensky, labeling him a “dictator” and publicly clashing with him on camera at the White House last month.

However, Trump told NBC that while Putin knows he is angry, he still maintains “a very good relationship with him” and added that “the anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.”

Trump’s anger comes amid strengthening ties between Washington and Moscow since his return to office, along with his threats to cut support for Kyiv, which have emboldened Russia on the battlefield as it continues its faltering invasion.

According to Ukrainian officials, six strikes hit overnight from Saturday into Sunday, injuring personnel receiving treatment at a military hospital and killing at least two people in a residential building.

Moscow said on Sunday that Russian forces also captured a village just seven kilometers (four miles) from the border of Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region in their latest advance.

Since launching their attack in 2022, Kremlin troops have yet to cross the region’s boundary, but they have been steadily advancing for months in pursuit of a breakthrough.

In his Saturday evening address, Zelensky called on his country’s allies to unite against Putin.

“For too long now, America’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table without an adequate response from Russia,” Zelensky said.

“There could already be a ceasefire if there was real pressure on Russia,” he added, thanking those countries “who understand this” and have stepped up sanctions pressure on the Kremlin.

The ICIR reported that Moscow and Kyiv agreed in principle to a Black Sea truce after talks with United States officials earlier this week. However, Russia stated that the deal would not take effect until Ukraine’s allies lifted certain sanctions.

In response, Trump told NBC that the policy would mean, “If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” effectively issuing a threat of secondary tariffs.

“There will be a 25 per cent tariff on all oil, a 25 to 50 point tariff on all oil,” he said, without giving further details.

Eid Prayers: Kano Police probe attack on Emir Sanusi entourage

Bankole ABE
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Eid Prayers: Kano Police probe attack on Emir Sanusi entourage

THE Kano State Police command has launched a probe into the alleged killing and attack on vigilante members attached to the entourage of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi after Eid prayers on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the command said one Usman Sagiru, 20, of Sharifai Quarters, was arrested in connection with the incident.

The police said while dispersing from the Eid praying ground, Sagiru and others, now at large, allegedly stabbed Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters, who later died from his injuries.

The police said another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman from Kofar Mata Quarters, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital Kano.

The police added that the vigilante members were attacked while they were providing shield for Sanusi.

“The command has commenced an investigation into the incident and extended an invitation to Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for interrogation.

“The Kano State Police command reiterates its ban on all forms of Durbar and warns that anyone found engaging in such activities will be dealt with decisively.”

The command reiterates that all forms of thuggery activities will not be tolerated and warns that anyone engaging in any act or conduct that may likely cause a breach of peace or breakdown of law and order will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

The police appeal to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all.

The police command had earlier announced a ban on all Durbar activities for the 2025 Eid El Fitr celebrations, citing security threats and the need to maintain public order.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters on Friday, March 28.

He explained that intelligence reports indicated plans by certain people to use the event for disruptive activities.

The Durbar, a centuries-old tradition of horse processions and cultural exhibitions, always accompanies Sallah festivities in the ancient city.

However, concerns over public safety have led to its proscription this year.

The police boss, Bakori, assured residents that the command and other security agencies had put measures in place to ensure a peaceful celebration.

Kano has been embroiled in royal controversy as Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero have been at daggers drawn over who is the authentic Emir.

The Supreme Court is set to deliver a judgment on the matter, which has been ongoing since Sanusi’s reinstatement was validated by a recent law repealing the Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024.

 

US pledges $2m in aid as Myanmar earthquake death toll hits 1,700

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
US pledges $2m in aid as Myanmar earthquake death toll hits 1,700

THE United States has pledged $2 million in aid as the death toll from Myanmar’s earthquake hits 1,700 on Sunday.

The United States announced in a statement that it will provide aid “through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organisations,” and confirmed that a USAID emergency response team, despite facing significant budget cuts under the Trump administration, is being deployed to Myanmar.

“The destruction has been extensive, and humanitarian needs are growing by the hour,” the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement.

“With temperatures rising and the monsoon season approaching in just weeks, there is an urgent need to stabilise affected communities before secondary crises emerge.”

The ICIR reported that the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of Myanmar’s strongest in a century, struck the war-torn Southeast Asian nation on Friday. 

According to the military government, as of Sunday, the disaster had left approximately 1,700 people dead, 3,400 injured, and over 300 missing.

Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey’s predictive model estimates that Myanmar’s death toll could surpass 10,000, with losses potentially exceeding the country’s annual economic output.

 Similarly, the junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, warned that the death toll could rise and acknowledged the challenges his administration is facing.

Myanmar has received relief materials and teams from neighboring India, China, and Thailand, as well as aid and personnel from Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia.

However, residents in the epicenter, told Reuters that government assistance was scarce, leaving people to fend for themselves.

In response, Min Aung Hlaing told officials on Saturday that, “It is necessary to restore the transportation routes as soon as possible. It is necessary to fix the railways and also reopen the airports so that rescue operations would be more effective.”

The disaster has added to Myanmar’s suffering, which is already engulfed in chaos due to a civil war that erupted following the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

While the ongoing conflict continues to devastate the economy, displace over 3.5 million people, and cripple the health system, the earthquake has severely damaged bridges, highways, airports, and railways across Myanmar, a country of 55 million hampering humanitarian efforts. 

Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government, which includes members of the former administration, announced that anti-junta militias under its command would suspend all offensive military actions for two weeks starting Sunday.

The ICIR  reported that the quake also shook parts of neighbouring Thailand, bringing down an under-construction skyscraper and killing 18 people across the capital, according to Thai authorities.

At least 76 people remained trapped under the debris of the collapsed Bangkok building, where rescue operations continued for a third day, using drones and sniffer dogs to hunt for survivors.

 

South Korean man booked for ‘starting’ country’s largest wildfire

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
South Korean man booked for ‘starting’ country’s largest wildfire

SOUTH Korean police  announced on Sunday that they have booked a man suspected of igniting the country’s largest wildfire, which claimed at least 26 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings, including historic temples.

An official of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police, believes the man, who is in his 50s, started the fire in southeastern Uiseong County while performing an ancestral rite at a family grave on March 22.

“We are in the process of verifying evidence,” the official added.

The ICIR reported that the fires began on March 21, consuming approximately 48,000 hectares (119,000 acres), destroyed around 4,000 structures, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. 

The conflagrations prompted mass evacuations and led to the deployment of thousands of personnel and over 100 helicopters to contain the blazes.

By Friday, the blaze was largely contained, though firefighters continued to battle small hotspots that flared up on Saturday.

The Uiseong fire, along with separate blazes across the country last week, claimed at least 30 lives and fueled calls for national reforms to improve disaster response. 

The forest service announced on Sunday that another wildfire had erupted in a southern area near Suncheon-si, prompting authorities to deploy 23 firetrucks, four helicopters, and 123 firefighters.

However, according to Yonhap News Agency, the man has denied the allegations. 

The fires follow a similar incident in Los Angeles, United States, earlier in January this year.

Tragedy in the ring: Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju slumps, dies in Ghana fight

Bankole ABE
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0
Tragedy in the ring: Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju slumps, dies in Ghana fight

A NIGERIAN boxer, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, collapsed and died during a boxing match in Ghana on Saturday, March 29.

Olanrewaju, who is a former national and West African light-heavyweight champion, lost consciousness while facing Ghanaian boxer, Jon Mbanugu, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena.

Olanrewaju was reportedly leading in points in the fight before the sad incident happened.

A video shows Olanrewaju collapse in the ring, and despite attempts to save him, the 40-year-old boxer was declared dead, ending his 24-fight career that included 13 wins.

The boxing world is in shock and mourning after Olanrewaju’s unexpected passing, remembering him as a revered Nigerian boxer and former national and regional light-heavyweight champion.

Olanrewaju’s impact on Nigerian and West African boxing is being celebrated as fellow boxers and fans honour his legacy.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. Nigerian boxers have indeed faced tragic outcomes in the ring.

A Nigerian boxer, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, collapsed and died after a punch during the National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State, in December 2022.

Igboanugo, who was representing Imo State, was said to have passed out after he received multiple punches in the chin from Anambra’s Gaby Amagor in their 86kg category bout.

The referee there upon stopped the fight after he failed to recover.

“He was immediately taken out of the ring for medical treatment before being rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” a boxing official stated.

In another instance, Sherif Lawal, a 29-year-old UK-based boxer, died after being knocked down during his first professional fight in London in May 2024.

Lawal was knocked down by Portuguese opponent, Malam Varela, in the fourth round of a middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.

Lawal was treated by paramedics at the scene and was rushed to the hospital but later declared dead.

The British Boxing Board of Control sent condolences to the family of Lawal following his tragic passing.

 

 

Hunters’ killing: Okpebholo orders immediate suspension of illegal vigilante groups

Bankole ABE
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Hunters’ killing: Okpebholo orders immediate suspension of illegal vigilante groups

THE Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of illegal vigilante groups following the killing of some travelling hunters in the state on Thursday, March 27, in Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area .

Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Friday Ibadin.

The governor, in a statement released on Saturday, March 29, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of March 27 was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with the Edo State Security Corps.

“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character, and principles of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.

“Investigations into the killings are ongoing, and fourteen (14) persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector General of Police,” the government stated.

“The Government of Edo State expressed its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.”

In the meantime, the government said it is in touch with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the government of Kano State, where most of the deceased were reported to hail from.

The government urged all parties involved to remain calm as it is committed to ensuring that justice is done in an efficient, transparent, and proactive manner.

The ICIR reported on Saturday that President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians condemned the gruesome murder of hunters who were in transit by an irate mob in Uromi, Edo State.

Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday evening ordered a manhunt for the killers.

The ICIR gathered that the victims, who were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck, were waylaid around 1.30 pm in the Udune Efandion community by local security.

The president commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians.

Also commenting on the incident, a former vice president and the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, said he was deeply saddened by reports of the tragic killing that took place in Edo State.

He added that the protection of innocent lives must remain paramount and urged the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a recurrence of jungle justice.

According to him, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

In a post on X regarding the incident, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, stated that the news of the killings of travellers in Uromi, Edo State, is deeply saddening.

According to him, such killings have become a recurring tragedy in our decaying society.

He added that while addressing security concerns and combating criminal activities is crucial, resorting to extrajudicial measures undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the cycle of violence.

He hailed the government for condemning the incident and initiating an investigation and urged the authorities to address the killings of Edo indigenes to ensure that justice is served for all.

The unfortunate killing of the travellers in Edo State has generated outrage on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the ugly incident.

Shiites accuse police of hiding corpses of its members in Abuja clash  

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
Shiites accuse police of hiding corpses of its members in Abuja clash  

THE Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shiite, has accused the police of concealing the bodies of its members who were allegedly killed during a clash that broke out on Friday during their procession.

The ICIR reports that a violent clash erupted between security agents and members of the IMN on Friday during a procession marking the International Quds Day near the Banex Roundabout in Wuse 2.

IMN claimed that some of its members were killed during the clash, while the police only confirmed the death of an officer in the incident.

In a statement late Friday, the police announced the arrest of 19 suspected members of the Shiite group.

The FCT command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said that Shiite members attacked security operatives, alleging they were armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, and petrol bombs.

She explained that the confrontation led to intense gunfire, leaving two security operatives severely injured and one confirmed dead at the National Hospital.

However, in its latest accusation, the Shiite group claimed that six of its members were killed, while 380 others, including women and children, were arrested and detained by the police.

The Resource Forum of the IMN, led by Abdullahi Danladi, during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday alleged that security agents were concealing the bodies of those killed in the clash.

“The police might have said they arrested 19 of our members but reliable information confirmed that the Guard Brigade and the police have arrested 380 protesters, including women and children, and six people were confirmed martyred. 

“However, the security agents are hiding casualties and other corpses of those who passed away in unknown places, thus, the number of casualties and corpses with the Guard Brigade and the police are still unknown. “Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course,” Danladi said.

He dismissed the police’s claims that group members were armed with dangerous weapons, calling it a cover-up.

“They said we came with dangerous weapons; they have every reason to say what they want to say to defend their crimes. But it is a known fact that the IMN had been carrying out our activities over 40 years. Whenever we gather, we gather and disperse peacefully but it is only when the police or security operatives attack us that you hear about casualties.

“We don’t kill or injure security operatives. In fact, it is not in our character rather we fight for their rights and that of the citizens. We don’t kill or injure anybody, we make life easier for everybody.”

While demanding the unconditional release of the arrested members and the prosecution of those responsible for their deaths, Danladi said the proscription of the movement was still being challenged in court, arguing that even if a ban were in place, it would not justify the alleged extrajudicial killings.

In response to the Shiite group’s claims, Adeh urged them to provide evidence that their members were killed.

She expressed concern that despite the group’s proscription, they repeatedly launched unprovoked attacks on security agents, emphasising that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

“The Shiite group is proscribed; therefore, their activities are illegal. Members of this group are always armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, and petrol bombs and are known for attacking security agents without provocation. This will no longer be tolerated. As for the casualties they claim, let them provide proof.” Adeh said.

The ICIR reports  on the last Friday of every Ramadan, Shiites worldwide hold their Quds procession in solidarity with Palestine, which has been engaged in a decades-long conflict with Israel.

Clashes between security forces and the Iran-backed IMN intensified after the 2015 massacre, in which soldiers killed scores of its members.

Their leaders were later arrested and detained for years under the Muhammadu Buhari administration. 

In 2019, the Buhari government officially proscribed the group following a court ruling that labeled it as being involved in “acts of terrorism and illegality.”

 

Did Nigeria fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup during Buhari’s time?

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Did Nigeria fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup during Buhari’s time?

A claimed that Nigeria did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has circulated on X.

An X user, @Nsukka_okpa, posted the claim with a caption thus:

“We no go World Cup for Buhari’s tenure. We no go World Cup for Tinubu’s tenure. Na APC me I Dey blame.”

The post, written in Pidgin English, has generated more than 94,000 views plus over 1,200 likes and more than 6,500 likes as of May 28, 2025.

The claim surfaced following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a result that further weakened the Super Eagles’ chances of securing a spot in the tournament.

CLAIM

Nigeria did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup during Buhari’s administration.

THE FINDINGS  

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE, as the Nigerian Super Eagles team qualified for and played during the group stage in the 2018 World Cup tournament.

screenshot of the viral post

Nigeria currently sits fourth in the Group C of the CAF World Cup Qualifying matches, with only the top team earning an automatic qualification slot, while the four best runners-up proceed to a playoff.

Buhari was Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023. During this period, two World Cup tournaments were held.

In 2018, Nigeria qualified for the tournament in Russia, marking the country’s sixth World Cup appearance. The Super Eagles were placed in Group D alongside Argentina, Croatia, and Iceland.

During the 2018 tournament, Nigeria lost its opening match 2-0 to Croatia, with an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and a Luka Modrić penalty sealing the defeat. In their second match, Nigeria revived their hopes with a 2-0 victory over Iceland, thanks to a brace from Ahmed Musa. However, in their final group match against Argentina, a late goal by Marcos Rojo condemned the Super Eagles to a 2-1 defeat, eliminating them from the tournament.

In 2022, Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar after a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Abuja. The result meant the Black Stars advanced on away goals, denying Nigeria a spot at the tournament.

In addition, Nigeria is yet to qualify for the 2026 World Cup under the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, as the qualifying matches are still underway and yet to be concluded. Note that this will be the first World Cup tournament to be held since Tinubu was sworn-in as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.

THE VERDICT

The claim that Nigeria did not qualify for the World Cup under Buhari is FALSE; credible report shows that the country participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

This report is republished from the FactCheckHub

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