Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories:
2. The Emir of Ningi in Bauchi State, Yunusa Danyaya, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 87 after a protracted illness. He died at the Expert Alliance Hospital in Kano, two days after returning from a medical trip to Mecca. Danyaya, installed as a first-class traditional ruler in 1978, reigned for 46 years, during which the Ningi Emirate experienced significant social and economic development. His funeral prayer was scheduled for 4:00 PM Sunday at the Emir’s Palace in Ningi. Born in 1936, Danyaya had an extensive educational background, including studies at Ningi Elementary School, Bauchi Middle School, the School of Hygiene in Kano, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he earned a diploma in Public Administration.
3. A violent clash occurred on Sunday, August 25, 2024, in the Wuse district of Abuja between the Shiite Islamic group and the police, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The confrontation, which took place around 3:00 PM, escalated into a gunfight, with Shiite members reportedly wielding weapons and setting police vehicles ablaze. The FCT Police Command confirmed the deaths of two police officers and the hospitalization of three others. The police described the attack as unprovoked, while the Shiite group accused the police of attacking their mourning procession.
4. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun announced the successful rescue of 27 individuals, including 20 medical students, who were abducted by a criminal gang in Benue State. The students, from the University of Jos and the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped on August 15, 2024, while traveling to Enugu. A tactical operation by the Nigerian Police Force on August 22, 2024, led to their release, with no ransom paid. The operation resulted in the neutralization of the gang leader, the arrest of two members, and the recovery of weapons. The IGP praised the efforts of various security agencies, especially the National Security Advisor, for their role in the operation. The rescued students, who endured significant trauma, will undergo counseling before reintegration into their universities. University officials and the Nigerian Medical Association expressed gratitude for the rescue and urged continued efforts to secure the release of others still in captivity.
5. The Nigerian government has launched a new initiative to combat malaria, appointing prominent business leaders Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, and Tony Elumelu to lead the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC). During the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, spoke of the urgency of the initiative, noting that Nigeria contributes over a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of malaria deaths, primarily affecting children and pregnant women. The council’s goal is to keep malaria high on the national agenda, mobilize resources, and reduce the disease burden in Nigeria, where malaria remains a major health issue despite existing interventions. Dangote, who was handed the council’s leadership, urged members to tackle the problem with strong political commitment and resource mobilization.
6. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is nearing a transfer to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, with the deal between Napoli and Al-Ahli in the final stages, reportedly worth over €65 million. However, Osimhen has yet to agree on personal terms, including salary and a release clause. If these terms are not met, the transfer could fall through. While Chelsea has shown long-standing interest in Osimhen, and their new manager Enzo Maresca hinted at the potential pursuit of a striker, they have limited time to finalize any deal before the Premier League transfer window closes. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli has until October 6, giving them more time to secure the move.
7. Noni Madueke, a Chelsea winger, was heavily criticized by Wolverhampton fans after he posted a derogatory comment about the city on social media. Despite the backlash and being booed throughout the match, Madueke scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-2 victory over Wolves. He later apologized for the post, calling it a mistake and expressing regret for offending anyone. Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, defended Madueke, praising his maturity and performance on the field, especially his defensive work, while emphasizing the importance of the right mentality in the team.
