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Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, killed in Tehran — Iran’s Guards

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Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, killed in Tehran — Iran’s Guards

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday that the chief of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran along with one of his bodyguards.

“The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, he and one of his bodyguards were martyred,” said a statement by the IRG Corps’ Sepah news website.

The cause of the “incident” was not immediately clear but the Guards said it was “being investigated.”

Haniyeh arrived in Tehran on Tuesday to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian in parliament.

He had met with Pezeshkian as well as Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony came amid concerns of war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah following a Saturday rocket attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of responsibility for the attack that killed 12 children, but the Iran-backed Lebanese group has denied any involvement.

Later on Tuesday, Israel struck Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut in retaliation for the Golan strike, saying it had killed the commander responsible for the attack.

A source close to Hezbollah said Shukr was the target but that he “survived the Israeli strike.” AFP was not immediately able to confirm that report.

Iran, which does not recognise Israel and considers it to be its arch-foe, has repeatedly warned Israel against attacking Lebanon.

“The Zionist regime (Israel) will make a great mistake with heavy consequences if it attacks Lebanon,” Pezeshkian said during a Monday call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the Iranian president’s website.

Regional tensions have soared since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, drawing in Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

The October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that started the war resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,400 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, which does not provide details on civilian and militant deaths.

Iran has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

It has hailed Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel but denied any involvement.

AFP

August 1: It shows lack of understanding – Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

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August 1: It shows lack of understanding – Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

The Global Rights and other frontline civil society organizations in Nigeria and around Africa have reminded the Nigerian Government that the right to peaceful protest is a pillar of democratic governance as constitutionally guaranteed.
The associations said this ahead of the planned nationwide protest slated for the 1st of August, 2024.
This was contained in a statement they collectively signed.
A nationwide protest has been fixed to begin from the 1st of August in Nigeria and there are discussions within the government surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with policies and actions of the current administration.
The civil society organisations said it was compelled to reaffirm that peaceful protest was the fundamental right of citizens.
“This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change,” Global Rights, which comprises over 37 rights associations, including Yiaga Africa, Enough is Enough and over 35 other civil society organizations.
The civil society organisations insisted that a peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
“It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process,” it added.
“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.
“History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.
“While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.
“Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.
“Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.
“Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.
“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately,” it said.
The CSO warned against any move to arrest protest organisers, saying it shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.
“We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these
protests.
“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” it added.
August 1: It shows lack of understanding – Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

Olympics swimming event gets go-ahead as River Seine passes test

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Olympics swimming event gets go-ahead as River Seine passes test

Olympic organisers have greenlit the men’s and women’s triathlons after River Seine water testing revealed lower levels of bacteria.

Sky sports report that the men’s event was due to take place on Tuesday, but was postponed over concerns about water quality.

A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon early on Wednesday confirmed that the latest water quality tests had shown a drop in bacteria levels.

The statement said, “The results of the latest water analyses, received at 3.20am, have been assessed as compliant by World Triathlon allowing for the triathlon competitions to take place.”

World Triathlon posted a picture of the River Seine to social media with a brief message, telling followers: “We will swim”.

The race will take place at 10.45am on Wednesday local time, after the women’s race which is scheduled to take place at 8am.

Swimming training for the triathletes was cancelled on Sunday and Monday after water quality testing.

More than a billion euros was spent on cleaning up the river in preparation for the Games, but organisers knew heavy rain in the days before a competition could cause the levels of the harmful bacteria E. Coli to rise.

Britain’s Alex Yee is one of the favourites for gold in the men’s race while Beth Potter is the reigning women’s world champion.

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Nigerians mourn legendary songstress, broadcaster, Onyeka Onwenu

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Nigerians mourn legendary songstress, broadcaster, Onyeka Onwenu

The Nigerian social media space has been alive since Tuesday night following the demise of legendary singer, Onyeka Onwenu who passed on shortly after performing at a private birthday party for prominent pharmaceutical entrepreneur, Stella Okoli, in Lagos.
The veteran singer, songwriter, broadcaster, actress and politician, reportedly died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party.
“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.
“Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform. Shortly after returning to her seat, she suddenly collapsed.
“Emergency responders swiftly arrived and rushed her to the hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead,” the source said.
A multi-talented artist whose career spanned over four decades, Onwenu was not only a singer but also an actress, journalist, and politician.
READ ALSO:Actress Destiny Etiko criticises Nigerians celebrating return of BBNaija despite hardship
Her music was a blend of different genres cutting across reggae, pop, highlife and local folklore which she was able to use to address social and political issues.
Born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She went on to release numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
She was also known for her political activism and was at one time, the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
As an actress, she featured in top class movies including Half of a Yellow Sun, and Lions Heart, among others.
Onwenu was recognized for her contributions to Nigerian society including being awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
The post Nigerians mourn legendary songstress, broadcaster, Onyeka Onwenu appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Shehu Sani, Omokri mourn veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu

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Shehu Sani, Omokri mourn veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu

Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, and ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri, have mourned legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu.

According Online earlier reported that the veteran singer died at the age of 72 on Tuesday at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli.

Reacting to the development in an X post on Wednesday, Sani said the country has lost a great artist who spread messages of love and peace through her music.

He wrote, “Onyeka, the nation has lost a timeless legend and a great artist who sang from the heart, spreading the messages of love and peace through music. Your melodies will forever resonate in our souls. Rest in peace.”

Also reacting in an X post, Omokri described Onwenu as an elegant stallion, saying that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.

He wrote, “I am heartbroken at the news of the death of veteran singer, broadcaster, and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, at 72. I knew her, and we bonded over my love for her music, which added value to my early years. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to collaborate with her and Panam Percy Paul on a charity single I executive produced.

“She was called the elegant stallion for a reason. And the reason is that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.

“Onyeka Onwenu was a great asset to Nigeria and a significant star on the African continent and beyond. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace! Onyeka Onwenu: January 31, 1952-July 31, 2024: Gone but never to be forgotten.”

Flood: 44 persons died in 42 LGAs – NEMA

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Flood: 44 persons died in 42 LGAs – NEMA

Flooding has claimed 44 persons in 42 local government areas across 18 States of the Federation, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said in its latest report.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the NEMA Director General, made the disclosure in Abuja during the National Emergency Coordination Forum meeting of stakeholders convened to review the current flood situation and strengthen synergy towards efficient mitigation and response strategies.
She expressed dismay over the ugly development, and underscored the need to strengthen partnership towards ensuring effective implementation of mitigation strategies and timely response to avert the tendency of more losses from the disaster.
She said: “as we receive full details of the flood update and cholera situation across the country today, it is expected that it will awaken us to take more proactive measures to save the lives of our dear citizens and be able to adequately respond in areas that have already been affected.”
Umar, while appreciating the commitment of the stakeholders, urged all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including Non-Governmental Organizations not to relent in their efforts to ensure that steps were taken to reduce the impact of disasters across the country, especially flooding and cholera outbreaks currently being experienced.
The Director-General stated that NEMA had intensified efforts towards sensitizing the general public on the need to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the predicted flood disaster through awareness campaigns at the Local Government and community levels, as well as the media.
Mr. Trond Jensen, the Head of United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in Nigeria, assured the cooperation and support on the United Nations Systems in Nigeria work with NEMA in the management of disasters in the country.
Flood: 44 persons died in 42 LGAs – NEMA

Onyeka Onwenu: She spread messages of love, peace – Shehu Sani mourns

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Onyeka Onwenu: She spread messages of love, peace – Shehu Sani mourns

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has mourned the passing away of veteran Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu.
Sani said the nation had lost a timeless legend and a great artiste who sang from the heart.
He posted on X: “Onyeka: the Nation has lost a timeless legend and a great artist who sang from the heart, spreading the messages of love and peace through music. Your melodies will forever resonate in our souls. Rest in peace.”
TVN reported that Onwenu passed away on Tuesday shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.
According to the report, she collapsed at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after falling ill during a private function.
Sources close to the family said Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform.
However, she suddenly collapsed shortly after returning to her seat.
Onyeka Onwenu: She spread messages of love, peace – Shehu Sani mourns

Bomb Blast: Yobe govt warns citizens against collecting, moving abandoned objects

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Bomb Blast: Yobe govt warns citizens against collecting, moving abandoned objects

Special Adviser on Security Matters to Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General, Dahiru Abdulsalm (Rtd), has warned the public, especially metal scavengers (known as Baban Bola), against collecting and moving of scraps and other abandoned metal objects from other places into the state.
The governor’s aide, who gave the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday, said this became necessary following the detonation of an abandoned unexploded ordinance picked by unsuspecting scavengers crossing over from the deserted parts of Sambisa Forest to Goniri area, injuring five of them.
“The public is hereby advised to report any suspicious object or movement of persons in their communities”, he advised.
Abdulsalam noted that the military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was working round the clock to explode possible devices that might have been abandoned in the past years.
Bomb Blast: Yobe govt warns citizens against collecting, moving abandoned objects

Those killing innocent Biafrans cannot be addressed as police, Army officers – Simon Ekpa

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Those killing innocent Biafrans cannot be addressed as police, Army officers – Simon Ekpa

The Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government in Exile has claimed that criminal elements are hiding under Nigerian security agencies to perpetrate evils in the South-East.
Ekpa made this known on Tuesday in a post on his official X handle while reacting to some incidents in the region, particularly Imo State.
He was particularly reacting to a recent attack at a checkpoint near SaveMore Market Place, Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State where some security operatives and civilians were murdered.
According to him, “Those neutralized in Owerri were terrorists who killed innocent Biafran ladies during fierce battles with Biafrans.
“People that kill and maim innocent and unarmed civilians are not to be addressed like officers.
“They are none of those names, address them as terrorists they are”.
Ekpa further claimed that the Biafra forces have only been battling with terrorists causing mayhem in the region and not officers of the Nigerian security agencies as reported in the media.
TVN reports that Nigerian security forces have repeatedly blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, for the various attacks on security agencies in the South-East.
Those killing innocent Biafrans cannot be addressed as police, Army officers – Simon Ekpa

Fight poverty, invest in education to combat human trafficking – Peter Obi to Nigerian Govt

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Fight poverty, invest in education to combat human trafficking – Peter Obi to Nigerian Govt

The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has called on the government at all levels to fight poverty, invest in education and health as a panacea to combat human trafficking.
In a post via his X handle on Tuesday, Obi called for measures to combat the menace as the entire globe commemorates World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
While regretting that statistics showed Nigeria is hit hard by cases of human trafficking, Obi said human trafficking is slavery.
“Trafficking in persons remains a global societal issue that must be addressed, with measures devised to combat the menace.
“The 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report by the U.S. Department of State, classified Nigeria as a Tier 2 country, ranking us among countries whose governments do not fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to comply with those standards.
“The 2023 Global Slavery Index Report ranks Nigeria 38 out of 160 of the countries with the highest number of slaves which is about 1.6 million. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, 2019-2022 statistics also show that 61 percent of human trafficking in Nigeria happens internally, while 39 percent is generated from cross-border trafficking,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State tasked governments to address challenges of poverty, unemployment and porous borders which he blamed for Nigeria’s human trafficking cases.
He called for investment in education, health, and policies that will address poverty in the country, explaining that with a better and quality life, citizens will understand their rights as humans.
Fight poverty, invest in education to combat human trafficking – Peter Obi to Nigerian Govt

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