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Ukrainian Embassy Opens Condolence Book in Abuja Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

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The Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria has opened a condolence register for the sixth time since April, following another wave of Russian attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure and killed innocent people, including children.

Speaking on the decision to open the condolence book, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Ivan Kholostenko emphasized that this was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern. “We opened this condolence register to honour the memory of innocent victims of yet another massive act of Russian terror against Ukraine,” the Ambassador said. “The enemy deliberately targets civilian infrastructure, causing destruction, killing peaceful population, including children.”

Since April alone, the Embassy has had to open such books six times, each in response to large-scale civilian casualties that the Ambassador described as “attacks that strike not only our state, but our shared humanity.”

The latest opening of the condolence book comes as UN data shows an alarming escalation in civilian casualties. As of May 31, 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths in Ukraine were reported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) due to the Russian invasion that started on February 24, 2022. The UN has also documented thousands more injured civilians, with June 2025 being the month with the highest number of civilian casualties in three years, according to recent UN reports.

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The Ambassador explained that the Embassy opened the register “to give our Nigerian partners, friends, and the international community the opportunity to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

The Ukrainian diplomatic mission accused Russia of employing what it called “shameful tactics” designed to maximize civilian casualties. The Ambassador detailed Russia’s use of the so-called “double tap” strategy – “striking the same location again after emergency responders have arrived, in order to kill State Emergency Service workers.”

“Russia also increasingly uses cluster munitions to maximize civilian deaths,” the Ambassador added.

Particularly concerning, according to the Embassy, is the timing of these intensified attacks. “The intensity of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities has significantly increased precisely after international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic solutions,” the Ambassador noted. “This is no coincidence. It is a deliberate signal of contempt from President Putin.”

The Ambassador characterized the escalation as Putin’s attempt to project strength from a position of weakness. “His army is weak and demoralized, his economy on the verge of collapse – all he has left is terror against the civilian population,” the diplomatic source stated.

“Russia loudly declares it seeks peace, but in practice it only escalates its brutal and destructive war. While the world speaks of de-escalation, Russia bombs peaceful cities.”

In a direct message to Nigerians, the Ambassador expressed gratitude for Nigerian support while calling for continued international attention. “The people of Ukraine are deeply grateful to the people of Nigeria for their support and solidarity. We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom.”

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Yusuf Muhammad Kawu Emerges as APM Candidate for Nassarawa Constituency

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Ambassador Yusuf Muhammad Kawu has officially secured the ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Nassarawa Federal Constituency in Kano State.

In a statement released to his supporters and the general public, Kawu expressed gratitude and optimism, describing his emergence as a reflection of his commitment to serve with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress.

“This victory is a testament to my commitment to serve our people with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision for progress,” he said. He further appealed to constituents for their support and votes in the forthcoming election, pledging that their mandate would be his responsibility and their pride.

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Kawu emphasized that his candidacy is driven by a desire to build a stronger and more prosperous Nassarawa Constituency, promising inclusive representation and development-focused leadership.

The Allied Peoples Movement, though relatively smaller compared to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, has been steadily gaining ground in various constituencies, positioning itself as an alternative platform for candidates seeking to challenge the status quo.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the general elections, Kawu’s emergence sets the stage for what could be a competitive race in Nassarawa Constituency.

 

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Veteran Broadcaster And Ex-MD ARTV, Radio Kano Adamu Getso Dies At 75

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Former Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) and the Kano State Radio Corporation, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, is dead.

The veteran broadcaster reportedly passed away on Saturday at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness.

A native of Getso town in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, the late media administrator was widely respected for his significant contributions to broadcasting, public communication, and information dissemination in Kano State.

During his distinguished career, Getso served as Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television during the first tenure of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso between 1999 and 2003. He later headed the Kano State Radio Corporation during Kwankwaso’s second tenure as governor.

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The late broadcaster earned widespread recognition through his role in anchoring popular Hausa-language programmes, including Hukuma da Jama’a (Government and the People) and Aiki Sai Mai Shi, which focused on government policies, public affairs, and development programmes.

Colleagues and admirers described him as a dedicated professional who used the media as a platform for public enlightenment and civic engagement.

His contributions to the growth of public broadcasting in Kano and his commitment to promoting government-citizen communication earned him respect across the media industry and beyond.

Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

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Kidnappers of Ex-army General Release Video, Demand Livestock, Members’ Release

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife released a video on Saturday showing the couple in captivity.

The couple were abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village.

In the four-minute video circulated on social media, the wife of the retired general was seen conveying the abductors’ demands, Daily Trust reports.

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The demands included the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.

According to her account, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi while the third was arrested in Kano.

She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands to secure their release.

The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, adding that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Daily Trust also reports that notorious bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, had reportedly established communication with the family of the retired general.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video.

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