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  • Ancelotti to discuss Real Madrid future at ‘end of season’

    Ancelotti to discuss Real Madrid future at ‘end of season’

    Carlo Ancelotti will discuss his future with Real Madrid at the end of the season, the coach said Saturday, following the Champions League holders’ elimination by Arsenal.

    After the record 15-time winners lost on Wednesday in the quarter-finals, thrashed 5-1 on aggregate, speculation grew that Madrid would dismiss the Italian coach in the coming weeks.

    “At the end of the season we will speak about (my future) with the club,” Ancelotti told a news conference, batting away various questions on a similar theme.

    Ancelotti’s contract is due to end in 2026.

    “I have spoken with the players and the club, we all agree, we have to fight for the titles there are on the line,” continued the 65-year-old, ahead of Sunday’s clash with Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

    Spanish champions Real Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by four points and will also face the Catalans in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.

    “Obviously we are all hurt, and the fans, after going out of maybe the most important competition, or at least the one Madrid has had the most success in, in recent years,” said Ancelotti.

    “We are all in the same boat, in the good and the bad times… the president (Florentino Perez) has always shown me the most affection in these moments than in the moments when we have won.”

    Ancelotti has been linked with coaching the Brazilian national team after Dorival Junior was sacked following a heavy defeat by Argentina.

    “I don’t have to say anything at all, as I said already, at the end of the season we will speak about this,” said Ancelotti.

    The coach said he did not know whether the “end of the season” came before or after the Club World Cup, which Madrid are participating in from June 14 in the United States.

  • 3 NDLEA officers hospitalised after sustaining gunshot injuries

    3 NDLEA officers hospitalised after sustaining gunshot injuries

    Three officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have been hospitalized for gunshot injuries sustained after they came under attack from some armed men during a raid operation in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Thursday night.

    A statement by the Director Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said, “The incident occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence and surveillance report raided an uncompleted building at NNPC area of Jahi where 74 bottles of codeine, 10 liters of codeine syrup, 48 grams of tramadol 225mg and 4.9kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, as well as five android phones were recovered.

    “As the NDLEA team made their way out of the location, they came under gun attack.

    “Three of the NDLEA personnel involved in the raid sustained gunshot injuries: one in the rib and two others on their back and leg.

    “The wounded officers were initially stabilized at the Police Clinic in Garki Area 1 before they were transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for further medical attention.”

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the staff of the Police Clinic for their prompt support.

    He also thanked the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, whom he reached out to for assistance in overseeing the treatment of the wounded officers.

    The NDLEA boss, who is in Kano on official engagements, also spoke on the phone with the injured officers to wish them a quick recovery.

    He assured them that the Agency would deploy every means at its disposal and work in collaboration with other security agencies to identify those responsible for the attack on them.

  • Suspected herders kill 17 in two Benue LGAs

    Suspected herders kill 17 in two Benue LGAs

    A family of eight and nine others have been reportedly killed in what appeared to be a coordinated attack by armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue State.

    Several persons also sustained severe injuries while many have gone missing.

    The attack came less than 24 hours after residents of the area raised the alarm over the influx of AK-47-bearing herders who freely moved around the communities unrestricted.

    A source in the area disclosed that the armed herdsmen stormed Tyuluv, Saror and Mbawar communities Thursday night “and started shooting indiscriminately into early Friday and killed several persons and injured many.

    “Before the attack, they came to our communities with thousands of cows armed with AK-47 rifles, but no one could talk to them because they were ready to kill anyone.

    “As we speak, people are fleeing their homes, and the painful thing is that nowhere is safe anymore because they are almost everywhere.

    Confirming the development, the Benue State Police Command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent CSP Catherine Anene, said 17 bodies had been removed from the scenes of the attacks.

    Part of the statement read, “On April 17, 2025, at about 9pm, information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum LGA.

    “Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Mr.Steve Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on the ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.

    “Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them. Five persons were recovered in the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

    “Unfortunately an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo LGA where 12 persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of 17 persons.

    “However, security agencies within the Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around Taraba axis.

    “The police commissioner warns social media users that are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.

    “He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourage the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”

    “Among those they killed in Ukum was a family of eight, including children and women who could not escape before they got to them.

    “From what we heard, the people also attacked neighbouring Logo LGA, and this morning corpses were being moved from the villages to the mortuary at Anyiin; those killed in the two LGAs were so many.

    “From all indications, they want to take over the Sankera axis of Benue State, which is the food basket of the state. It is a dire situation because our people are already preparing to commence the season’s farming, and this is happening. Food is already very expensive in the state, and now this is happening.”

  • SDP decries insecurity, urges President Tinubu to take decisive action

    SDP decries insecurity, urges President Tinubu to take decisive action

    ABUJA – The national leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed deep concern over the state of security in the country, warning that the rising incidents of violence and killings across Nigeria pose a grave threat to national stability.

    In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP condemned the recent spate of violent attacks and mourned the lives lost in various parts of the country.

    The party emphasized that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and the welfare of its citizens, and noted that continued failure in this regard reflects a significant governance gap.

    “The disturbing reports of widespread killings in various regions—north and south—over the past weeks paint a troubling picture,” the statement read. “These incidents, both reported and unreported, have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for citizens.”

    Referencing recent violent episodes, the SDP cited incidents in Edo State involving the killing of individuals allegedly mistaken for outsiders, as well as a major attack in Plateau State where over a hundred people were reportedly killed and numerous homes destroyed.

    The party also mentioned reports of an attack by a group referred to as ‘Makmuda’, highlighting the growing complexity of the security landscape and the emergence of new threats.

    According to the statement, these developments underscore the urgent need for a revitalized and effective national security strategy. The party expressed concern that existing security structures appear overwhelmed and that the government has yet to present a clear, actionable plan to reverse the trend.

    “It is imperative that the government prioritizes the safety of Nigerians above all else,” the statement continued. “President Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, has a constitutional responsibility under Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution to ensure the welfare and security of all citizens.”

    The SDP urged the government to rise above political distractions and focus on delivering concrete security solutions, warning that discussions about future elections are premature without addressing the current crisis.

    The party concluded by reaffirming its commitment to national unity and peace, while calling for immediate and coordinated action to safeguard communities and restore confidence in the country’s leadership.

  • Trump warns US could ditch Ukraine talks if no progress

    Trump warns US could ditch Ukraine talks if no progress

    US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington could quit talks to end the Ukraine war within days unless there is rapid progress from Moscow and Kyiv.

    The warning confirmed a sudden change of US messaging, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier saying in Paris that the United States would “move on” if peace was not “doable.”

    Trump has been pressing both sides for a truce, but has failed to extract any major concessions from the Kremlin despite an ice-breaking call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and repeated negotiations with Moscow.

    “Yeah very shortly,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked to confirm what Rubio had said about abandoning talks. “No specific number of days, but quickly. We want to get it done.”

    Trump refused to cast blame on either Putin, who ordered the February 2022 full-scale invasion of pro-Western Ukraine, or Kyiv’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. But he insisted both sides had to make progress.

    “Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say: ‘You’re foolish. You’re fools. You’re horrible people’ — and we’re going to just take a pass,” Trump said.

    “But hopefully we won’t have to do that.”

    – ‘Move on’ –

    Moscow has kept up strikes on Ukraine, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more in attacks on the northeastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy, Ukrainian officials said.

    One of the few commitments Trump had wrangled from Russia — a temporary moratorium on striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure — “expired” on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to an AFP question.

    After meeting European officials in Paris to discuss a ceasefire, Rubio said Washington needed to figure out soon whether a ceasefire was “doable in the short term.”

    “Because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on,” he told reporters.

    But speaking on a trip to Italy, US Vice President JD Vance still insisted he was “optimistic” about ending the three-year war.

    Trump promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office but has little to show for his efforts so far.

    He has embarked on a rapprochement quest with the Kremlin that has alarmed Kyiv and driven a wedge between the United States and its European allies.

    He and Vance also had a blazing Oval Office row in February with Zelensky, whom he still accuses of bearing responsibility for Moscow’s invasion.

    Trump insisted that he was not being “played” by Moscow, which is accused by Ukraine of dragging its feet.

    “My whole life has been one big negotiation and I know when people are playing us and I know when they’re not,” the billionaire property tycoon added.

    – ‘Mockery’ –

    Zelensky meanwhile slammed the latest attacks on his country, which came just days before Easter.

    Kyiv earlier announced it had received the bodies of 909 soldiers from Russia.

    “This is how Russia started Good Friday — with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, Shahed drones. A mockery of our people and cities,” Zelensky said on Telegram.

    Russia said it had hit “key drone production sites” and Ukrainian military airfields.

    Putin last month rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a full and unconditional pause in the conflict, while the Kremlin has made a truce in the Black Sea conditional on the West lifting certain sanctions.

    Trump has also repeatedly expressed anger and frustration at Zelensky in a marked break from his predecessor, Joe Biden.

    Ukraine is set to sign a deal next week in Washington that would give the United States sweeping access to its mineral resources.

    European powers have meanwhile been seeking a seat at the table in the negotiations, particularly as Trump’s administration insists the continent should share the burden for Ukraine’s security.

    France hosted meetings between US and European officials in Paris on Thursday, saying the talks had launched a “positive process.”

    The meetings included French President Emmanuel Macron, Rubio and US envoy Steve Witkoff.

    Many allies have however been alarmed by Witkoff — who recently met Putin in Russia — repeating Moscow’s talking points about the war.

  • Anambra APC Primary: Ozigbo sues Ukachukwu, INEC

    Anambra APC Primary: Ozigbo sues Ukachukwu, INEC

    Valentine Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Awka challenging the validity of the party’s primary election held on April 5, 2025.

    Ozigbo, who contested but did not emerge as the party’s flagbearer, is asking the court to nullify the nomination of Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, the declared winner of the primary, and compel the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize him as the legitimate candidate for the November 8 gubernatorial election.

    The suit, filed through his legal team led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Umeh Kalu and B.C. Igwilo, includes party documentation, internal communications, and delegate lists which Ozigbo argues support his claim.

    The originating summons calls on the court to determine whether the conduct of the primary election complied with APC’s constitution and established procedures. Ozigbo alleges irregularities in the delegate selection process and claims the exercise did not reflect the will of legitimate party members.

    In a statement issued after the filing, Ozigbo said his legal action was driven by a desire to uphold democratic principles within the party. “This is not a personal pursuit but a stand for justice, transparency, and the future of our party and state,” he stated.

    He described the conduct of the primary as lacking in transparency and organization, alleging that accredited party members were excluded, while the delegate list used contained unfamiliar names. He also questioned Ukachukwu’s eligibility to contest under the party’s platform, citing internal party rules.

    Ozigbo added that his intention is not to create division within the APC, but to strengthen it through adherence to democratic standards. “Our aim is to restore credibility and ensure the party remains a vehicle for responsible leadership,” he said.

    The court has not yet fixed a date for the hearing.

  • Easter Celebrations: IGP orders tight security, visibility policing nationwide

    Easter Celebrations: IGP orders tight security, visibility policing nationwide

    As Christians across Nigeria prepare to mark the 2025 Easter celebration, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) across all State Commands and Formations—as well as their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police—to implement watertight security measures and enhance visibility policing nationwide.

    In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized the need for extended vigilance, intelligence gathering, and the strategic deployment of police personnel during the festive period.

    “The IGP emphasizes the critical importance of enhanced patrol and strategic deployment of personnel to places of worship, recreation centres, and major highways,” the statement read. “Personnel are to be visibly deployed in public spaces to deter criminal activity and provide swift responses to any security challenges that may arise.”

    While extending his warmest Easter wishes to the Christian community, the IGP highlighted the symbolic significance of the season—hope, renewal, and sacrifice—and encouraged Nigerians to reflect on these values by promoting peace, unity, and goodwill in their communities.

    He also called on citizens to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and maintaining public order.

    The statement urged Nigerians to remain security conscious, exercise moderation, and avoid reckless driving during the Easter period and beyond.

    The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and crime-free Easter celebration for all.

    “May the spirit of Easter bring peace, joy, and blessings to all,” the IGP concluded.

  • Anambra traditional rulers call for peace amid Plateau, Uromi killings

    Anambra traditional rulers call for peace amid Plateau, Uromi killings

    In response to the recent spate of killings in Uromi, Edo State, and Bassa in Plateau State, traditional rulers in Anambra State have called on Nigerians to embrace peace and shun violence.

    The monarchs, under the aegis of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), condemned the attacks and urged citizens to avoid actions that could trigger reprisals reminiscent of the 1966 crisis in which many innocent Nigerians lost their lives.

    Speaking from his palace in Obosi, Chairman of the Council and traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom, His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka III (Ogalagidi), described the killings as “very unfortunate and condemnable.”

    Igwe Iweka praised the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the arrest of an individual who, in a viral video, threatened mass killings of southerners residing in the North. He also commended the IGP for deploying additional security personnel to Plateau State in the wake of the crisis.

    The monarch further urged the Federal Government to urgently find a lasting solution to the persistent herder-farmer crisis, which he said has claimed countless lives and significantly impacted agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

    “Farmers in various parts of the country can no longer access their farmlands due to fear of killer herdsmen,” he lamented. “This has worsened the food shortage and increased hunger and suffering among Nigerians.”

    On the proposed bill at the National Assembly seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers, Igwe Iweka expressed strong support, describing it as a “step in the right direction.”

    “Traditional rulers are the custodians of peace in their communities, they bridge the gap between the people and the government. Recognizing their role constitutionally is long overdue,” he stated.

    He also appealed to southeastern states that are yet to implement the 5% local government allocation for traditional institutions to do so, stressing the financial burden many monarchs bear in maintaining peace and order in their communities.

    On security in Anambra, the Obosi monarch lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his proactive approach, particularly the creation of the Udo ga Achi/Agu Nechemba security outfit, which he said has drastically reduced crime rates in the state.

    “Our governor has taken the bull by the horns. While crime cannot be completely eliminated, his initiatives have brought security to a commendable level,” Igwe Iweka noted.

    He concluded by commending Soludo’s infrastructural strides and urged that the governor be supported for a second term to complete his ongoing development projects.

  • Three feared dead in multiple auto crash on Kara Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan expressway

    Three feared dead in multiple auto crash on Kara Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan expressway

    Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday—Good Friday—following a multiple auto crash on Kara Bridge, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident reportedly claimed at least three lives and left several others injured.

    The incident has caused a severe traffic gridlock in the area, as desperate motorists resorted to driving against the flow of traffic (One-Way).

    One of the deceased victims was seen lying lifeless on the road.

    An eyewitness, Mr. Akeem Abdul, said the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. when the vehicles involved were traveling at high speed.

    “At least three bodies have been removed from the debris,” Abdul reported.

    As of 7:00 a.m., only first responders were on the scene, working to rescue victims and clear the wreckage. Emergency response teams were still being awaited at the time of reporting.

  • Bitcoin steady above $84k as market eyes key $86k breakout

    Bitcoin steady above $84k as market eyes key $86k breakout

    Bitcoin is holding steady around $84,000, maintaining stability over the past 24 hours amid mixed market signals.

    The cryptocurrency rebounded from early April lows near $75,000, but analysts remain split on whether this marks a true trend reversal or a temporary bounce.

    On-chain data shows signs of recovering demand, though trading volumes remain well below bull market levels.

    Bitcoin’s realized cap growth has slowed, and exchange balances are at their lowest since 2018, indicating limited sell-side liquidity.

    Mining firms, facing economic pressure and rising US-China trade tensions, sold over 40% of their March BTC production—reversing post-halving accumulation trends.

    Tariffs on mining equipment, especially in the US, threaten to shift mining dominance abroad.

    Meanwhile, the weakening US dollar could provide tailwinds for BTC. The Dollar Index is near multi-year lows, and analysts see potential for further devaluation, which could boost Bitcoin’s value.

    Technically, a breakout above the $86,300–$86,500 resistance zone is seen as crucial for restoring bullish sentiment. Support levels are noted at $73,900 and $64,700 if momentum fades.

    Institutional flows remain mixed, with recent ETF outflows totaling $870 million, though volumes are holding relatively strong. Bitcoin’s ability to push past $86K will likely determine the next market phase.