Migrant journeys have become significantly deadlier in several major migration corridors despite a sharp decline in the number of people arriving in Europe, according to new data released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). IOM’s Global Overview of Migration Routes (January–April 2026) found that deaths and disappearances along the Central Mediterranean Route more than doubled during the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. A total of 821 migrants died or went missing along the route, representing a 111 per cent increase, while arrivals fell by 46 per cent to 8,577. More than half…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
Read More
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stepped up efforts to establish a regional carbon market platform as the bloc seeks to bridge a $294 billion climate-finance gap and unlock West Africa’s vast potential in international carbon markets. The move took centre stage in Abuja on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026 at a three-day regional workshop convened to validate the framework for establishing the platform, bringing together representatives of ECOWAS Member States, regional and international organisations, technical and financial partners and climate experts. Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission leadership, a representative of the Commission, the Director for…
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged inflammatory remarks in a viral video ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election. The Commission, led by the Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said the remarks attributed to Fadahunsi amounted to incitement to murder, electoral violence and voter intimidation. According to the NHRC, the senator allegedly instructed supporters to kill members of the Accord Party whenever they encountered them and warned that Accord members should not be allowed to vote, even if they…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has closed its recruitment portal after 606,928 Nigerians attempted to apply for positions in the first phase of its ongoing recruitment exercise. The Service announced the closure on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026, through its official X handle, @NAQSng, expressing appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians who indicated interest in joining the organisation and serving the country. According to NAQS, 407,659 applicants successfully submitted their applications before the deadline, while 199,269 applications remained incomplete at the close of the application period. The Service said the overwhelming response to the…
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has received a Special Award of Excellence in recognition of his commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women. The award was presented to him during the 2026 Bayelsa State Convention of the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, held at the Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, with the theme: “Women: Crown for Influence; Your Voice, Your Values, Your Vision.” Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Oyintonyo Michael-Olomu emphasised the importance of women using their voices to promote positive influence, leadership and social transformation. She noted that women were…
One named Muhamodu Sanni has been arrested by the operatives of the Kwara State Police Command over alleged linked to a suspected kidnapping syndicate around the Obudu/Woru axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state, reports thegazellenews.com. Sanni, it was gathered was apprehended while allegedly attempting to cash out ransom proceeds linked to a recent abduction. The Kwara State Police Command Public Relations Officer Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect through a statement via the command’s official X handle on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026, said that the arrest followed intelligence gathering by the operatives after three…
Gunmen on the night of Tuesday, 11 August , 2026 invaded four Berom communities -Gwa-Wereng Rim, Kyeng Village in Bachi District, Dorong and Jol Village in Plateau State, killed two persons, and injured one, just they also set houses ablaze in fresh attacks on the communities, reports the gazellenews.com. The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, through its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the development in statement on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026. According to the statement, the gunmen attacked Gwa-Wereng Rim, killing Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, while his cousin, Yakubu, was fatally injured. The association added in the statement that “47-year-old…
The Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026 arrived at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital for questioning over alleged inciting comments The senator, it was gathered was invited by the police authorities following alleged comments made against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa. Fadahunsi arrived at about 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, 12 August, 2026 accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election and security, Samuel Erale, Channels TV reports The police had earlier warned political actors against inflammatory statements capable of heightening tensions ahead of…
A latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has revealed why Nigeria’s crude oil production dtropped by four per cent month-on-month in July, but the country still met its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC)quota for the third consecutive month, reports thegazellenews.com The NUPRC attributed the July decline principally to operational challenges at the Erha and Akpo fields, which affected production during the month. Compared with January, however, July’s combined production of 1.67mbpd, according to the regulator, was about 211,000 barrels per day, or 14.5 per cent, higher “These disruptions constrained production volumes and contributed significantly to the overall…
Popular Nigerian cleric, Apostle Joshua Aghasedo of Powerline Church has said the use of sex toys by married couples does not amount to sin, describing such devices as tools that can assist spouses in their intimate life. Aghasedo likened sex toys to everyday equipment such as cars and phones, arguing that their use should be considered within the context of marriage. Speaking to his congregation in a video shared on the church’s Youtube handle on Tuesday, 11 August, 2026, the clergyman said sex toys could help couples improve their intimate experience. “Is using a sex toy a sin? Is driving…