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Nigerian footballer bags six-month jail in Norway, vows to appeal ruling

Esther Tomo
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Nigerian footballer bags six-month jail in Norway, vows to appeal ruling

A NORWEGIAN court has sentenced Nigerian footballer Daniel Daga to six months in prison after finding him guilty of engaging in a sexual act without the other person’s consent.

The judgement was delivered on Tuesday by the Nordmøre og Romsdal District Court. Daga, who plays as a midfielder for Molde FK, was also asked to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal costs, which is about ₦1.45 million.

According to reports by TV 2 Norway, the court’s decision matched the punishment sought by prosecutors.

The 19-year-old footballer denied the accusation. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player was unhappy with the outcome and would challenge the judgement.

“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2.

She added that the ruling was not final and that Daga planned to appeal the decision.

“The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised,” Bolstad said, adding that the player had continued to train in recent weeks.

Following the judgement, Molde said the matter was serious and affected everyone involved. The club confirmed that Daga would not be part of its matchday squad for now while the legal process continues.

“This is a very difficult case for everyone involved. Molde Football Club has a responsibility as an employer to take care of our employees in a responsible manner; while also having great respect for the seriousness of the case and the burden it places on all affected parties,” the club said.

“In light of the situation and the ongoing legal process, the club has decided that the player will not be part of the matchday squad until further notice.”

Daga joined Molde in 2025 and has made several appearances for the Norwegian side, scoring three goals. Before his move to Europe, he played in Nigeria’s domestic league for Enyimba FC after earlier stints with FC One Rocket and Dakkada FC.

At the international level, Daga has represented Nigeria with the Nigeria U‑20 national football team and was the youngest player named in the country’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U‑20 World Cup.

He played in all of Nigeria’s matches before the team was knocked out in the quarterfinals by South Korea U‑20 national football team.

With the appeal expected to begin soon, the final outcome of the case will depend on the decision of the higher court.

Rising fuel prices push transport fares up across Abuja

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Rising fuel prices push transport fares up across Abuja

RESIDENTS of Abuja are facing fresh pressure on transportation costs as the pump price of petrol fluctuates between N1,270 and N1,330 per litre in parts of nation’s capital on Tuesday, March 10.

The hike in petrol price has attracted commensurate leap in transportation fares, as transport operators adjusted fares across major routes.

A survey conducted by The ICIR on Tuesday in Kuje Area Council shows varying pump prices across filling stations in the satellite community. At Bovas Filling Station, petrol was sold for N1,270 per litre, while AA Rano dispensed the product at N1,330 per litre.

At Kuje Oil and Gas, the product sold for N1,300 per litre as motorists scrambled to fill their tanks amid fears of further increases. The NNPC station in the town did not operate in the early hours when this survey was conducted.

Along the Airport Road, AYM Ashafa by City Gate dispensed the product for N1,330; Rainoil filling station in Dutse along Bwari road sold it for N1, 300 per litre: Nusynegy in Jikoyi sold at N1,090: while Fyne Field in Apo Resettlement dispensed at N1,350.

The new impact is already visible in the daily commute of residents across the capital city.

The ICIR reports that from Kuje to Lugbe which was previously N700, is now between N800 to N900 depending on the time of day and availability of vehicles.

From Kubwa to Berger, previously N800, is now N1,000. Commuting from New Yanya to Ministry of Finance which was until now N800 is currently N1,000.  Apo Resettlement to Gudu which was previously N400 is now N500. Meanwhile, the fare from Gudu to Lugbe which was usually N500 jumped to N800 Tuesday morning due to unavailability of vehicles.

According to reports, commercial drivers said that the fare adjustment was unavoidable because of the fuel hike, noting that they would run at a loss if they failed to do so.

In addition to transport fare hike, it is expected that the increase in petrol price will affect the cost of food and other necessities, further worsening the conditions of millions of poor Nigerians.

The current fuel price hike is linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has disrupted global energy supply chains.

Attacks on oil facilities and shipping routes in the Gulf region have forced partial shutdowns of major energy infrastructure and disrupted transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a route responsible for about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.

These disruptions have triggered spikes in global oil prices, with crude briefly climbing above $100 per barrel during the escalation of the conflict.

The volatility in crude prices quickly affected petrol markets globally, including Nigeria, where domestic pump prices depend heavily on international benchmarks and refinery’s running costs.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump attempted to calm global markets, saying the war with Iran could end “very soon,” a remark that temporarily pushed oil prices lower after earlier spikes.

Trump’s comment triggered a reduction in global oil prices, with crude briefly reducing to $90 per barrel.

Trump had defended the surge in energy prices as a temporary consequence of the conflict, arguing that short-term economic pain was necessary for security and stability.

Despite the reassurance, analysts warn that the market remained volatile, especially with attacks on oil facilities and disruptions to shipping routes in the Middle East.

Energy experts said Nigeria was particularly vulnerable to global oil price shocks despite being an oil-producing country.

On Monday, March 9, The ICIR reported that a litre price of petrol might soon hit N1,500 in Nigeria after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol to N1,175 per litre.

The hike, the third recorded in a week, came shortly after reports indicated that another rise in petrol prices was likely, especially after the refinery briefly stopped petrol sales on Sunday.

This development has pushed retail prices upward across the country with industry experts warning that if the global crisis continues, petrol could climb even higher, potentially pushing transport fares and the general cost of living upward.

2027: NAF to support INEC with drones, other logistics

Esther Tomo
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2027: NAF to support INEC with drones, other logistics

THE NIGERIAN Air Force (NAF) has pledged to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other intelligence tools to monitor the 2027 general elections and help spot security threats.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal, said the Air Force was “fully mobilising its aircraft, surveillance drones and intelligence assets to support the commission” and was ready to provide “massive logistical, intelligence and aerial security support to the INEC to guarantee credible, safe and well-coordinated polls in 2027.

“The world has changed. Drones and UAVs are game changers. Some of these assets can remain airborne for two to three days, monitoring areas of interest and providing intelligence that can help security agencies respond quickly,” Aneke explained.

He added that with proper coordination between INEC and security agencies, aerial monitoring could detect threats early and prevent election violence.

The Air Chief said his organisation was also preparing its aircraft to quickly move election materials and personnel across the country. “We know how large Nigeria is and the logistical challenges involved in moving materials across difficult terrain. That is why we are preparing our aircraft so that when INEC calls, we will be ready.”

“Some of the Air Force’s C-130 aircraft are undergoing maintenance abroad, but arrangements are being made to deploy other available aircraft to ensure timely delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials,” he stated.

Aneke emphasised that logistics planning remained the backbone of both military operations and electoral success.

He also proposed joint rehearsals and simulation exercises with INEC ahead of the elections, noting that “in the military, anything you rehearse before execution performs ten times better. Simulation helps you detect faults early so you can fix them before the real operation begins.”

The INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, a professor, described the Air Force’s support as a “major relief” for the commission, highlighting the need for effective logistics and security arrangements. He said upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states would serve as tests ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We are happy that the Air Force has stepped forward with its capabilities, especially in reaching difficult terrain and providing aerial monitoring,” Amupitan said.

He added that “an election can only be as good as its logistics” and confirmed that INEC will set up a joint committee with the Air Force to strengthen planning and coordination for the elections.

Relief as Dangote cuts fuel prices

Harrison EDEH
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Relief as Dangote cuts fuel prices

Dangote Refinery has lowered petrol and diesel prices by N100 as costs are expected to decrease further with oil prices falling below $90 on Tuesday, March 10.

The slash is not unconnected with President Donald Trump’s latest signals confirming the de-escalation of the United States-Iran conflict.

In the latest pricing template issued by Dangote Refinery on March 10, the price of petrol at the gantry was reduced by ₦100, bringing it down to ₦1,075 per litre from the earlier price of ₦1,175 per litre.

The refinery said petrol price for coastal supply would be set at ₦1,050 per litre, due to maritime distribution expenses.

Similarly, the cost of diesel has been lowered to ₦1,430 per litre at the gantry. This marks a reduction of ₦190 from the previous price of ₦1,620 per litre.

The refinery pointed out that the prices at the gantry did not include fees from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Earlier on Monday, Trump signalled the conflict with Iran could end “very soon.”

Despite selling over $100 on Monday, oil prices plunged as much as 10 per cent on Tuesday before paring losses, as investors assessed comments from Trump on the conflict in the Middle East and on oil flows through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Initial price hike had pushed petrol price above N1,300 at retail outlets in several parts of the country while diesel sold for N1,700.

Nigerians have had to endure intermittent price surges of fuel which triggered higher transportation fares across the country.

However, the drop below $90 per barrel of Brent crude on Tuesday could signal lower gasoline prices in several parts of Nigeria.

“There’s the trading and distribution aspect of the refining, and if the war de-escalates, it will impact pricing,” the President of Petroleum Retail Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, told The ICIR.

He stressed that increased local refining could have also helped to cushion the pricing effects on Nigerians.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Financial Derivatives, Bismarck Rewane, also said that the slump in the global oil price should reflect on the local pricing.

“We expect the prices to gradually begin to go down further with the same push that the prices were raised over the past few days to lessen the burden on the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Trump, who had signalled on Monday that the conflict with Iran could end soon warned later in the day that Tehran would be hit “twenty times harder” if it attempted to halt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Located between Oman and Iran, the Strait is a vital transit route for global energy markets.

Roughly 13 million barrels passed through the waterway in 2025, accounting for about 31 per cent of global seaborne oil flows, according to Kpler.

It connects major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

“This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated,” Trump said in his post.

The comments come as a spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned on Monday that oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz “must be very careful.”

 

Nursing students protest after school hiked tuition by over 500%

Mustapha USMAN
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Nursing students protest after school hiked tuition by over 500%

STUDENTS at the College of Nursing Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, on Tuesday, March 10, staged a peaceful protest over a sharp increase in tuition fees.

Videos circulating on social media showed how the students marched through parts of the town, chanting and carrying placards while calling on the school management to reverse the increment.

“Save our education. Education is not oppression,” some of the inscriptions on their placards read, while others had “No to fraud and extortion of students.” 

The students alleged in one of the placards that the school fee was increased from about ₦90,000 to ₦580,000, placing a heavy burden on them and their families.

Internal memo confirms fee increment

The protest followed an internal memo issued by the management announcing the hike in school fees across all levels of the College of Nursing Sciences.

The hike, reported by Daily Sun on January 23, 2026, showed that the adjustment was part of efforts to upgrade the institution.

“The hospital management and the Board of College of Nursing, in an ongoing effort towards upgrading the institution to a reputable monotechnic, has approved an upward review of students’ school fees across all levels in the college,” the memo, signed by the Chairman of the Board of the college, O. I. Ezejiofor, read.

Memo, announcing the upward review of school fees
Memo, announcing the upward review of school fees for NAUTH students, Credit: Daily SUn

It added that the new fee structure would take effect immediately for the 2025/2026 academic session.

According to Daily Sun, previously, a 100-level student’s total fees amounted to N250,000, which included a N100,000 tuition fee, combined maintenance and caution fees of N30,000, a N10,000 library fee, and N60,000 for medical exams and services. Other costs under the old structure included an examination fee of N20,000, and a portal fee of N10,000, as well as a N10,000 hostel maintenance fee.

However, under the new “annual regular fee” structure, the total has risen to N580,000.

The new breakdown consists of a N250,000 tuition fee, a N50,000 maintenance/caution fee, and a N50,000 library fee. Examination fees have tripled to N60,000, while the portal fee has doubled to N20,000. 

Breakdown of the annual regular fee. Credit: Daily SUn

Additionally, the school adjusted charges including a N30,000 medical fee, a N30,000 transport fee, a N50,000 accreditation fee, and N40,000 accommodation maintenance fee.

However, students argued that the revised fees are unaffordable and come amid existing financial pressures.

US warns citizens in Nigeria of terror threat

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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US warns citizens in Nigeria of terror threat

THE United States Government has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a possible terrorist threat targeting US diplomatic facilities and American-affiliated schools, as tensions continue to soar amid ongoing Middle East crisis.

In a security alert issued late Monday, the US Embassy in Abuja advised American nationals to exercise heightened caution when visiting US facilities, including the embassy in Abuja and the US Consulate General in Lagos, as well as schools and institutions associated with the US.

“Threat to US facilities and schools: The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens of a possible terrorist threat against US facilities and US affiliated schools in Nigeria.  The Embassy recommends that US citizens take additional precautions when traveling to the US Embassy, the US Consulate General in Lagos, and US affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes.

“Increasing awareness of your surroundings, avoiding predictable routines, and reviewing general security precautions with your family can help reduce your risk,” the statement read.

The embassy said the warning was prompted by intelligence indicating a potential terrorist threat against US interests, though officials did not disclose specific details about the nature of the risk. It urged American citizens to remain vigilant, limit unnecessary movements near US government facilities and monitor local media for updates as the situation evolves.

“Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, familiarize yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings. For additional information about threats and risks to travelers in Nigeria, please visit the Nigeria Country Information page   on travel.state.gov,” it added.

This alert comes amid heightened global tensions following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, which have raised fears of retaliation or unrest in several countries.

Diplomatic missions in Nigeria have been on increased alert since the escalation of hostilities, with security officials monitoring possible demonstrations and threats that could target Western interests.

The warning also follows a series of pro-Iran demonstrations in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern region where there is a sizable Shi’ite Muslim population with ideological ties to Iran.

On Tuesday, March 3, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, commonly referred to as Shi’ites, staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum and Nguru Local Government Areas of Yobe State. The protesters condemned the reported killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, describing him as a revered spiritual leader.

The group also protested in Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe and Lagos states, condemning what it described as joint US–Israel aggression against Iran. During a procession in Niger State on Sunday, led by IMN leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, demonstrators waved Iranian flags and chanted solidarity slogans, vowing continued resistance.

The ICIR reported on March 4 that security was tight across Nigeria’s capital following a planned protest by Shi’ite members. The IMN had announced plans to stage demonstrations in Abuja in solidarity with Iran following coordinated US–Israel strikes that Iranian media confirmed led to Khamenei’s death.

Lagos building collapse puts Sanwo-Olu’s safety reforms under scrutiny as hundreds of students escape death

Mustapha USMAN
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Lagos building collapse puts Sanwo-Olu’s safety reforms under scrutiny as hundreds of students escape death

DESPITE repeated assurances on building safety by the Lagos State Government, weak inspection and regulatory lapses nearly cost the lives of hundreds of students in the Ogba area of Lagos State on Monday, March 9.    

According to reports, hundreds of pupils and teachers of Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College narrowly escaped death after a resident noticed signs of distress on the building housing their school and raised the alarm.

This promptly forced an emergency evacuation of the children and their teachers. The building collapsed a few minutes later.

The building, located at 11 Adudatu Street in the Aguda axis of Ogba, collapsed around midday, barely three minutes after students and staff vacated the structure.

Reports indicate that an elderly man called the attention of the school authorities when he realised that the structure showed signs of distress.

“At first, the house started cracking little by little. The window frames had already fallen apart. After some minutes, the cement body of the house began peeling off. Not long after that, the building just sank,” TheCable quoted a source to have said.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service later arrived at the scene and secured the area.

No casualty had been reported as of the time of filing this report.

Gaps in building inspection by government

The narrow escape has renewed concerns over weak monitoring of buildings in Lagos, where the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and related institutions often fails in their responsibilities.

Experts say the latest incident highlights persistent failures in inspection and enforcement by LASBCA and other building control agencies.

In 2025, The ICIR reported how building collapse remained a recurring tragedy in the nation’s commercial hub despite several regulatory reforms reportedly introduced over the years.

The ICIR investigation revealed that Lagos accounted for over 55 per cent of all building collapses in Nigeria since 1974.

Between October 1974 and January 2025, at least 640 incidents were recorded nationwide, with more than half occurring in Lagos.

The building collapses were attributed to the weak enforcement of building regulations, corruption within oversight agencies, non-compliance with safety standards and the use of substandard materials.

In April 2025, a three-storey building housing the Equal Rights Restaurant and Bar collapsed in Ojodu-Berger during business hours, killing two people and injuring more than 20 others.

In May, a two-storey structure under construction in the Idi-Araba area of Mushin collapsed during the early hours. The incident claimed the life of one labourer, while three others narrowly escaped. Residents said the building was like a bomb waiting to explode.

Later that month, the Ota-Ona community in Ikorodu was thrown into mourning when a two-storey uncompleted building collapsed, killing three members of the same family: 16-year-old Maleek, his 13-year-old sister Ameerah, and their uncle Bolaji.

In September 2025, a similar incident occurred in the Yaba district of Lagos, where a three-storey building under construction gave way, killing one person and injuring several others.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in 2021 when a 21-storey luxury high-rise crumbled in Ikoyi, killing 46 people, including the developer, Femi Osibona.

Investigations later revealed that the structure exceeded the number of floors originally approved by regulators.

More recently, in February 2026, The ICIR reported how police barracks are in decrepit state right under LABSCA’s nose in the Ikeja area of the state.

Sanwo-Olu’s reforms face scrutiny

To address the recurring disasters, Sanwo-Olu launched the Certified Accreditors Programme in March 2025, bringing private sector professionals into the building inspection process.

CAP, which arose from recommendations by a 2021 advisory panel, allows accredited experts to review project drawings, monitor construction stages, and flag illegal structures in coordination with regulators.

This initiative aims to strengthen building regulations and ensure stricter compliance with safety standards.

The Lagos government also said it had intensified enforcement operations and strengthened collaboration among regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring construction activities.

Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the government was committed to ensuring strict adherence to building regulations and would continue to penalise those who flout the law.

Despite these measures, experts believe that without sustained political will, transparent enforcement, and public accountability, Lagos might continue to record preventable building disasters.

Petrol inches to N1,500 per litre as Dangote hikes price to N1,175

Esther Tomo
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Petrol inches to N1,500 per litre as Dangote hikes price to N1,175

A LITRE price of petrol in Nigeria may soon hit N1,500 after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol to N1,175 per litre on Monday, March 9.

The hike, the third recorded in a week, comes shortly after reports indicated that another rise in petrol prices was likely, especially after the refinery briefly stopped petrol sales on Sunday.

On Monday, fuel marketers were notified that petrol gantry price at the refinery had moved from N995 per litre to N1,175 per litre. The new rate represents an increase of N180, which is roughly 18.1 per cent in just three days.

The refinery also updated the price of diesel, fixing it at N1,620 per litre.

A senior staff member of the refinery, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised  to speak, confirmed the development.

“Yes, the gantry prices have been adjusted. PMS is now N1,175 per litre while Automotive Gas Oil is N1,620 per litre,” the official said, adding that “the market has been extremely volatile, and replacement costs have shifted significantly in recent days. These adjustments reflect prevailing market fundamentals and the cost environment we are currently operating in.”

Information obtained from the petroleum pricing website Petroleumprice.ng showed that the new figures had already been reflected on depot pricing systems used by operators in the downstream sector.

The current increase follows earlier changes that moved the depot price of petrol from N774 per litre to N995 per litre within a week.

Following these changes, many filling stations in different parts of the country have already adjusted their pump prices, with petrol selling for about N1,200 per litre in some locations, adding to the financial burden faced by many Nigerians.

Industry observers say the higher fuel cost could push up transport fares and the cost of moving goods, which may eventually affect prices of items and services across the country.

The development also comes despite attempts by the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, to help the refinery secure crude oil supplies through foreign trading partners in order to maintain local refining.

However, officials say the move may not quickly translate to cheaper petrol for consumers, as the country continues to experience rising fuel costs.

African Liberty Writing Fellowship seeks entries

Blessing OTOIBHI
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African Liberty Writing Fellowship seeks entries

AFRICAN Liberty is seeking applications for its 2026-2027 cohort of the African Liberty Writing Fellowship.

The fellowship is a 12-month programme designed to identify, train, and amplify emerging African writers who are passionate about advancing the ideas of freedom, individual rights, and limited government.

Applications opened on March 1, 2026, and will close on April 30, 2026.

Through the fellowship, selected participants will work closely with experienced editors; receive a monthly stipend as top contributors; gain opportunities for television and radio features; get published in leading African newspapers; and participate in a structured, year-long writing development programme (July 2026 – July 2027)

Organiser says, “An applicant has to be enrolled in, or must have graduated from, an African institution of higher learning, or be an African pursuing higher education outside the continent.”

Application deadline is April 30, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.

Stranded Nigerians in Middle East seek help amid US-Israel-Iran tensions

Esther Tomo
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Stranded Nigerians in Middle East seek help amid US-Israel-Iran tensions

NIGERIANS stranded in Qatar are seeking help after the country temporarily closed its airspace due the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.  

One of the victims who requested for help on X narrated the plights of elderly passengers and children at Hamad International Airport.

“Never been this helpless before in my life. Nine days stuck in Qatar with my family and other Nigerians who were on transit. Countries have picked up their citizens from here, it’s mostly Nigerians that are left! We have called Embassy and Consulate, yet no positive response”.

Qatar Airways had said it was offering rebooking for affected passengers, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NiDCOM) and other authorities urged stranded Nigerians to remain calm.

Officials confirmed that emergency protocols were in place to ensure the safety and repatriation of citizens affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With partial reopening of airspace on March 9, there are hopes that more flights will depart soon, allowing stranded Nigerians to return home safely.

There are concerns that more Nigerians are trapped in other Middle East nations due to the conflict.

The ICIR reported that Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader, replacing his father Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US–Israeli strike on February 28.

The appointment, announced on Monday by Iran’s powerful clerical body known as the Assembly of Experts, signals that hardline factions remain firmly in control of the Islamic Republic even as the conflict intensifies.

Before the appointment was confirmed, Trump had opposed the emergence of 56-year-old Mojtaba, a Shi’ite cleric with a power base among the security forces and their vast business empire.

Israel had warned that it would kill whoever replaces the late Khamenei unless Iran changes what it describes as hostile policies, as Trump repeated on Sunday in an interview with ABC News that Washington should have a say in Iran’s leadership.

“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump said, adding that ​ending the war would be a ‘mutual’ decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

THE ICIR reported on Wednesday, March 3 – the fifth day of the conflict – that casualties were mounting across the Middle East.

Fresh strikes were widening the conflict beyond the original battle lines.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said that at least 787 people had been killed, including 165 schoolgirls and staff in a strike on a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, on the first day of the war.

It noted that it remained unclear whether the toll included members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to ambulance service Magen David Adom, ten civilians were killed in Israel including nine in an Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem on March 1.

Meanwhile, global crude prices have surged above $100, up from about $60 on Friday, February 27, as the conflict continues.

The sharp rise is due to disruptions in global supply and attacks on several oil facilities in the Middle East.

 

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