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Soldiers Toppled President Talon of Benin

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Toppled President Talon of Benin: Photo Credit AFP Via BBC

 

Soldiers in the West African nation of Benin have announced on national TV that they have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.

A message from the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president in the main city of Cotonou.

The soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders as well as the country’s airspace.

According to their statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.

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They justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country

Talon, 67, is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office, with elections scheduled for April.

A businessman known as the “king of cotton”, he first came to power in an election in 2016. He had promised not to seek a third term and had already named a successor.

The French Embassy has urged its citizens to stay indoors for their safety.

This apparent coup in Benin comes just over a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau.

In recent years, there have been several coups in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger, heightening fears that the security of the region could worsen.

BBC

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Tragedy In Kano :Mother and Her Six Children Brutally Murdered 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a 35-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children, following a deadly attack on their residence in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis.

The incident was confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, reporting a brutal attack on the household of one Haruna Bashir.

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“The victims, Fatima Abubakar (35) and her six children, were attacked by unknown hoodlums who broke into their house,” the police said.

“The report indicated that the victims were attacked with dangerous weapons, resulting in fatal injuries,” the statement added.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of officers to the scene.

“CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori immediately mobilized a police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene,” the police said.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they were confirmed dead.

The Command further stated that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to carry out a thorough investigation.

“A team led by ACP Wada Jarma, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement noted.

The Kano State Police Command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, and the people of Kano State over the tragic incident.

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CAN Mourns Heroic Imam Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attack

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended its condolences on the passing of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a prominent religious leader in Plateau State, who died at the age of 90.

In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh praised the late Imam as a “shining example” of interfaith harmony, whose legacy of courage and compassion would endure.

Imam Abdullahi gained international acclaim in 2018 for his heroic actions during violent attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. At great personal risk, he sheltered and saved the lives of 262 Christians in his home and mosque.

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Archbishop Okoh highlighted the Imam’s “rare moral bravery,” noting that his decision to protect innocent lives powerfully transcended religious divides and affirmed the sacredness of human life above all else.

“His actions served as a vital bridge in a nation often strained by religious suspicion,” Okoh stated. “He demonstrated that peace is achievable through conscience and love, embodying the core values of faith, compassion, and selflessness.”

The CAN President described Imam Abdullahi’s story as an enduring “blueprint for future generations,” surpassing physical honors in its lasting impact. He urged the government and the public to uphold the Imam’s sacrifice as a rallying point for building a more peaceful Nigeria.

Okoh also encouraged continued engagement with the Imam’s family and sustained public recognition of his heroism to inspire unity and mutual respect across the nation.

“As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life truly well lived. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his community, and all who were moved by his extraordinary example,” Okoh added.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Government had previously honored Imam Abubakar Abdullahi with the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his dedicated efforts toward promoting peaceful coexistence.

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Nigeria Secures Record Ninth AFCON Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Over Egypt

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have clinched the bronze medal at AFCON 2025, defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a tense and goalless regulation match.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with a calm final penalty, providing consolation after Nigeria’s semi-final defeat by the same method.

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In a match between two sides reshuffled after semi-final losses, Nigeria started without key attackers Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi. The first half’s major incident saw a Paul Onuachu goal disallowed by VAR for a foul in the buildup, for which he also received a yellow card.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams showing effort but lacking a decisive final touch. Nigeria’s best chance came from a tame Raphael Onyedika effort from distance.

The victory marks Nigeria’s first penalty shootout win in three attempts at the tournament and extends their record to a ninth AFCON bronze medal.

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