In the news

At least 16 people died and another 60 are missing after a boat capsized in Nigeria’s southeastern Anambra state, officials said on Saturday. The vessel, with 85 people on board, capsized amid heavy flooding, trapping the passengers, Thickman Tanimu, zonal coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency, told Reuters agency. …

Chad’s military ruler Gen Mahamat Déby will be sworn in on Monday as the transitional president, extending his stay in power by two years following recommendations from a contentious national inclusive dialogue process that concluded last week Various opposition groups, the Catholic church and rebels responsible for last year’s killing …

Considered one of the most loyal to Cameroonian President Paul Biya, Martin Mbarga Nguélé, 90, is today the oldest active soldier in the world. A brief overview Every morning in Yaoundé, the police cut off traffic as Martin Mbarga Nguélé’s motorcade made its way, sirens blaring, the two kilometers from …

The World Health Organization is calling on people to be extremely vigilant after 66 children in Gambia died of kidney failure last July after consuming cough and cold syrups. Toxic substances were found after an analysis of samples of these pharmaceutical products manufactured in India. The adverse effects could range …

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill on Friday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his 70th birthday, marked by a shower of praise. In his message, Kirill praised the Russian leader for “transforming Russia’s image, strengthening its sovereignty and defensive capabilities, defending national interests”. He also wishes him “physical and moral strength for many …

After a 12-year relationship with Victoria ended, John Odoom, 52, has confirmed he put a spell on her on suspicion of cheating. Victoria says she has not been attractive to any other man, because of her ex-fiancé who has used her panties for “juju” which has led to her inability …

Ghanaian police arrested a man, in whose room a quantity of bones yet to be identified were found in Assin Bereku in the central region. The residents raised an alarm over a foul scent emanating from the suspect’s room. When the police forcibly opened the door, it turned out that …

Indonesia is in talks with several African countries, including Nigeria, to export and donate its homemade COVID-19 vaccine, its developer said on Friday. Indonesia is becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to approve a domestically developed COVID shot. Its approval for the shot, the detailed trial data of which …

The Ebola virus circulating in Uganda has mutated, according to Prof Pontiano Kaleebu of the Uganda Virus Research Institute. Prof Pontiano Kaleebu says there is however no evidence that it is any more transmissible than the original strain. They analysed samples from the first known case to be tested during …

Lagos police arrested a 35-year-old motocyclist man for impregnating his teenage step daughter,13, in his residence. The girl’s mother, Gift, noticed that her daughter was pregnant and upon request, the girl confided in her that it was her stepfather who got her pregnant. The accused would remain in Kirikiri Correctional …