Oyo State Government has launched an investigation into the violent clash in Ojoo

Following a violent outbreak that claimed at least two lives, the Oyo State Government has issued a stern directive to warring factions in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government, demanding an immediate end to hostilities.

 The government has launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover both the immediate triggers and underlying causes of the unrest.

 The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, led a high-powered delegation which included Secretary to the State government Professor Musibau Babatunde and the Executive Assistant to the governor Security Rtd Compol Odukoya on an on-the-spot assessment of the troubled area. 

Speaking to residents and community leaders, Barr. Lawal warned that the state would deal decisively with individuals attempting to weaponize the conflict to incite tribal tension or disrupt the state’s economic stability.

“We will not tolerate any form of conflict capable of triggering ethnic friction or shattering the peace we have worked hard to build,” Lawal warned. “Criminal acts must be treated as criminal acts—they should not be given an ethnic or tribal coloration.”

 To prevent a reprisal or further escalation, heavy security reinforcements have been deployed to dominate the area.

 The Deputy Governor assured the public that law enforcement would maintain a rigid presence until total normalcy is restored.

He further emphasized that the state’s inquiry would be thorough, promising that anyone found guilty of instigating the violence would face the full weight of the law.

 During the assessment, a youth representative from the Ojoo community urged the administration to move beyond reactive security measures. He pressed for immediate, direct mediation between leaders of the feuding groups to broker a sustainable truce, warning that a failure to heal the rift thoroughly could leave the door open for future retaliatory attacks.

 The unrest erupted on Tuesday evening in the bustling Ojoo axis of Ibadan. According to local sources, a sharp disagreement degenerated into a full-blown violent clash between local traders and a group of scrap scavengers, 

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the ensuing chaos quickly turned lethal, resulting in at least two confirmed fatalities and the destruction of property before security forces arrived to restore a fragile calm.

The Oyo State Government continues to urge residents of  Ojoo to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious movements to security agencies via the state’s emergency toll-free lines.

Kwara: Abducted worshippers regain freedom after 105 days in captivity

T

hree abducted female worshippers who were among those kidnapped during the March 22 attack on ECWA Church, Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom.

This is after spending 105 days in captivity.

They were said to have been rescued by a joint team of security operatives comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and vigilantes on Monday.

Their rescue marks the end of a months-long ordeal that plunged the Omugo community into mourning and uncertainty following the abduction of eight worshippers during a Sunday service.

President of the Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, confirm the incident on Tuesday

He described the day as one of “mixed emotions” for the community.

While celebrating the return of the three women to their families, Thompson said the community remained heartbroken over the five worshippers who lost their lives in captivity.

“Today, with grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families,” he said.

“Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den.

“Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts and a void that can never truly be filled”, he said.

The community leader extended condolences to the bereaved families, ECWA Church, Omugo and the entire community, praying for divine comfort for those affected by the tragedy.

He also thanked the security agencies.

The worshippers were abducted on March 22 when armed men invaded ECWA Church during a worship service and whisked away eight congregants into the forest.

The incident triggered widespread outrage and frantic efforts to secure their release.

Daily Trust had reported that five of the abductees, including the wife of the church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, died in captivity after months in the kidnappers’ den despite efforts by families and the community to secure their freedom.

The abductors had initially demanded a N1 billion ransom, which was later reduced during negotiations.

Community members were said to have raised about N20 million and provided food items and other supplies demanded by the kidnappers, but the five victims never returned alive.

He also paid tribute to the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and members of the traditional council for providing leadership, encouragement and support to affected families throughout the ordeal.

The Omugo Development Union president equally appreciated the sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora for their financial support, prayers and solidarity during the 105-day crisis.

He urged residents who had fled the community over insecurity to return home, assuring them that measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property.

Thompson also called on members of the community to sustain the unity demonstrated during the crisis and continue supporting eff

orts aimed at rebuilding and developing Omugo. (Daily Trust)

Egypt fume at 'injustice' and make Messi favouritism claims after 2026 World Cup exit

With 12 minutes of normal time remaining, Egypt stood on the cusp of their greatest ever World Cup result.

The Pharaohs led Argentina, the reigning world champions, 2-0 in Atlanta Stadium.

A quarter-final spot - their first - beckoned for the football-obsessed African country.

Then it went wrong very quickly. Horribly wrong.

When Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, it was a case of Egypt digging in and getting over the line. But they looked panic-stricken when captain Lionel Messi - who else? - made it 2-2 four minutes later.

Enzo Fernandez then completed a remarkable Argentina turnaround with a header in the second minute of stoppage-time to send their fans wild with delight.

Egypt were down and out - and downright furious after the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out a second goal by Mostafa Zico for a foul after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for slightly stepping on Lisandro Martinez at the start of the move, when they were leading 1-0.

They were also adamant Mohamed Salah was fouled in Argentina's penalty area, seconds before the reigning champions broke for the winner.

When French referee Francois Letexier signalled full-time, many of Egypt's players slumped to the floor in disbelief at what had just happened.

In an explosive interview after the game, Egypt boss Hossam Hassan said his side had been "treated unfairly" and "suffered injustice". BBC Sport has approached Fifa for comment.

"There have been a lot of things to be questioned on and off the pitch," added Hassan.

"Negative aspects all around. It's just about credibility, lack of credibility with how things unfolded.

"Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.

"The world champion received support at every level. There seem to be pressures from the Argentina side on this outcome."

This match had everything - a penalty save, a disallowed goal, a red card as well as a thrilling comeback.

BBC Sport unpicks a game that will go down in World Cup history for featuring a team who were two goals down so late on, but who went on to win without needing extra time.

Why is there no fairness in sports?'

"We need to appear in a better way at the World Cup," Egypt head coach Hassan had said on the eve of the tournament as he addressed his nation's poor World Cup record.

Egypt arrived in North America as World Cup underachievers, having come up short in their previous three appearances on the global stage, failing to win any of their seven matches.

Having secured a first win by overcoming New Zealand in a group game in Vancouver on 22 June, the Pharaohs took the lead against the three-time world champions Argentina when Yasser Ibrahim headed home in the 15th-minute.

In an incident-packed game, Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a magnificent save to keep out Messi's penalty before the Pharaohs thought they had scored another only for it to be disallowed.

Fernandez's late, late winner brought further anger as Egypt screamed for a penalty after a foul on Salah, and a member of Egypt's backroom team on the bench was shown a red card.

In addition, Egypt's head coach was booked for protesting after Argentina's winner when he crossed his arms in front of him, which is the Fifa-backed symbol for players and coaches to alert the referee of a racist incident.

The Pharaohs boss did not refer to his gesture after the match.

"We haven't seen respect or fair play," he said.

"A penalty (for us) was ruled out, it was not even checked by the VAR and our second goal was remarkably, for whatever reason, disallowed.

"We have all seen the shirt pulled back [by Alexis Mac Allister] and not even a VAR check. Life is unfair, normal life is unfair, so why is there no fairness in sports?

Egypt forward Zico, added: "The referee was really unfair. The injustice was clear. There's been an unfairness right from the start of the match."

Analysis: The key refereeing decisions

By Dale Johnson

Football issues correspondent

Only last week Pierluigi Collina, Fifa's head of referees, underlined a key criteria given to his officials.

Referees have been told to allow normal football contact to increase the tempo of matches.

This World Cup has seen 22.6 fouls per game, compared with 25 in 2022 and 27 in 2018.

How does that feed into Egypt's disallowed goal?

Attia had a very light tug on the shirt of Martinez and slightly stepped on his toe.

But the VAR stepped in to say Zico's superb goal should be ruled out for a foul.

Of course there is an argument that this can be a foul, but it would be inconsistent with how the tournament has been refereed.

If you are letting these challenges go on the field, then you have to do the same with VAR.

Remember Aleksandar Pavlovic's raised boot to the head of Ecuador's Pedro Vite's face? No VAR intervention for Leroy Sane's goal.

Did the foul happen too far back in the move? The VAR will look at how the attacking phase begins, specifically how possession was won.

As the challenge directly led to the goal it would be reviewable, even though it was 17 seconds back.

What is more unfortunate for the officiating team is the potential foul on Salah in the build-up to Fernandez's dramatic winner.

In the Argentina penalty area, Salah went down claiming he had been tripped by Julian Alvarez. Surely this should be reviewed by VAR too?

It was similar to Attia's challenge - except for one crucial difference.

Salah was in the penalty box, so the VAR is assessing a potential penalty - which has a higher threshold to a foul.

Had Salah been outside the area, for consistency the VAR would have to get involved. As there's not enough for a spot-kick, Argentina's winner stands.

Will Salah play at another World Cup?

While Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have scored regularly at this tournament, Salah departs with just one goal to show for his efforts.

That came in the win over New Zealand on 22 June.

Against Argentina, Egypt's captain failed to register an attempt or a key pass.

Salah will turn 38 when the 2030 World Cup takes place in Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

While Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Croatia's Luka Modric, 40, have played their last games on the World Cup stage, it remains to be seen if Salah will be back with Egypt in four years' time.

Meanwhile, Egypt's exit leaves Morocco as the last of Africa's 10 teams still standing at this tournament.

Morocco made history four years ago by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.

The Atlas Lions face France in the quarter-finals at Boston Stadium on Thursday (21:00 BST).

Pride alongside heartbreak

By Shaimaa Khalil

BBC's North America correspondent in LA

I'd just got off the phone with my nine-year-old nephew.

"Misha, it's a disaster. We've been robbed!" he said in angry tears.

My guess is there are similar conversations happening in homes and family WhatsApp groups wherever Egyptians like my family are watching tonight.

Heartbreak doesn't even begin to cover it.

This match took fans on an emotional rollercoaster - from hope, to belief, to outright elation... before anger and finally anguish.

"As an American of Egyptian descent, I felt every minute of this," Sami Elmansoury, 41, told me.

"Watching Egypt rise from their first ever World Cup win to going toe-to-toe with Argentina is something I'll never forget. Nothing can dim what these players showed the world today. Their performance throughout this tournament will live on."

And I think that's what many Egyptians are feeling tonight.

Pride... alongside heartbreak. They didn't play like underdogs, they played like equals.

This team has done something no Egyptian side has managed before. They have lifted the spirits of a nation and a region.

Their motto throughout this tournament has been 'Mekameleen', which means 'we'll keep going'.

And they did. Tonight, the streets of Cairo, Alexandria and cities across Egypt will be quieter than fans had hoped.

This World Cup may have ended in heartbreak, but it has also left Egyptians believing that this team belongs among football's biggest nations. (BBC)

Portable says he plans to return to school, regrets dropping out of Kwara Poly

 Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has said he still intends to complete his education despite his success in the music industry.

The singer made the revelation in a preview of the Honest Brunch Podcast, scheduled for release on YouTube on Monday, where he spoke about his education, financial struggles and journey to fame.

“I go still finish school as I dey like this. I no finish school,” he said.

Portable explained that he struggled to pay his school fees while selling sachet water and eventually dropped out after losing financial support.

“I no see anybody to sponsor me again. The school fees is high. I go still finish school as I dey like this,” he added.

The singer said he gained admission into Kwara State Polytechnic through the indigene quota to study Business Administration but could not complete the programme because of financial constraints.

He described leaving the institution as one of his greatest regrets, expressing hope that he would return to finish his studies.

“Na Kwara Poly pain me pass. I be student… Na indigene this thing I use enter. I studied Business Administration,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Portable said he was once regarded as the least academically gifted among his siblings but now supports his father financially, while his sisters are also employed.

“Person wey dem dey call olodo for my family na me still dey feed my papa now,” he said.

While urging young people not to abandon education, he added that a degree is not the only path to success.

“It is not a must you finish school before you get am. You fit go get am from outside and come back finish school. I go still finish school as I dey like this,” Portable said.

How I welcomed twins after 18-year wait — Actor Ricardo Agbor

Actor Ricardo Agbor has opened up about his 18-year wait for children before welcoming twins with his wife.

Speaking in a recent interview with AfricanAList, the actor said he endured a long period of childlessness but remained patient and faithful throughout.

He noted that he had chosen to marry a woman outside his tribe, and contrary to expectations, their union was peaceful.

Agbor, who welcomed twins, said he had prayed specifically for twins and stayed committed during the waiting period when many people would have given up.

He said, “I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I have married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair,” he said.

“It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins.

“So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted.”

The actor also spoke about the most difficult moment of his life, which was the death of his mother.

He recounted that his mother had been on treatment for about three weeks without improvement.

He noted that doctors later advised that she be taken to South Africa for further care.

At her request, Agbor said that she moved her to another private hospital in Surulere.

He said as he was putting her into the car, she passed away in his arms.

He described the experience as painful, adding that it was the first time he cried in his life, noting that he usually cries when acting a role.

“My mom died right in my arms, you know. At the hospital, they were bringing almost 10 doctors to do tests. I didn’t know maybe they just felt we were picking money or we had all these things every now and then, and the sickness was not improving after almost 3 weeks,” he added.

“It was after 3 weeks that they told me to come and carry my mom and take her to South Africa. I took my mom away and took her to another private hospital within Surulere, it was my mom that told me to take her away from that place. As I was carrying her into the car, she gave up.”

“I think that was the first time I cried in my life. I don’t cry. If I cry, maybe it is in a movie and it is a role. So I cried. It was painful”, he said.