Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. An explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, around 8 p.m. confused residents, with reports suggesting it might be a tremor, gas explosion, or an improvised explosive device blast. Affected areas include Eleyele, Ologuneru, Owalla, and parts of the University College Hospital, among others. Windows were shattered, and some buildings were damaged. The cause remains unknown. Victims have been admitted to hospitals, and the government, while acknowledging different interpretations, assures residents that the situation is under control. The police confirm the explosion in Bodija but cannot confirm the cause.
2. President Bola Tinubu expressed his commitment to eliminating insecurity, including Boko Haram, bandits, and kidnappers. He met with service chiefs to address the growing security challenges. Stakeholders, including the Inspector-General of Police and FCT Minister, held meetings to strategize against rising banditry and kidnappings. In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani convened an emergency security meeting and proposed more military bases. Afenifere urged the government to track criminals using NIN and BVN. Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore plans to launch a vigilante group in Nasarawa to enhance security.
3. The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal by David Ombugadu of the PDP challenging the election of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule. The dispute arose from the March 18, 2023 governorship election, initially won by Sule. The tribunal nullified Sule’s victory, declaring Ombugadu the winner, but the Court of Appeal reversed the decision, citing errors in the tribunal’s process. The Supreme Court will now deliver judgment in this case and a similar one involving the Kebbi State governorship election.
4. OGC Nice striker Terem Moffi acknowledged that the Super Eagles were under pressure to perform well in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Ivory Coast. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, the Super Eagles needed a positive result to boost their chances of progressing in the tournament. Ivory Coast, having won their first match, posed a significant challenge, and Moffi emphasized the team’s awareness of the pressure and the need to stay focused for the crucial encounter.
5. Referees’ chief Howard Webb has acknowledged an officiating mistake in the Liverpool vs. Arsenal match, stating that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty for a handball by Martin Odegaard. Webb explained that Odegaard’s actions, trying to make himself smaller by pulling his arm back, provided an advantage, and the VAR decision did not reach the right outcome. Webb also discussed other controversial decisions, including a contentious goal in the Burnley vs. Luton Town match and incidents in games involving Everton, Newcastle, and Tottenham.
6. Bulgaria and Romania are set to issue short-term Schengen visas starting April 1, 2024, following the EU Council’s recent decision to grant them partial access to the Schengen Area. The move allows both countries to eliminate border controls at air and sea borders, facilitating free movement within the Schengen Zone for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. While the decision on lifting land border controls is pending, this development aims to boost travel, trade, and tourism, marking the ninth expansion of the Schengen Area and promoting freedom of movement for nearly 450 million EU citizens and foreign nationals.
7. A massive fire occurred at the IC World Emporia Centre, a popular shopping arena in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 17. The fire started around 3:30 AM, and a video shared online shows it burning through the roof of the building. The Fire service arrived almost an hour later to extinguish the fire, and the cause of the outbreak is currently unknown.
