News
Step up Fight Against Drug Abuse with Stronger Measures, Obi Encourages FG
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has encouraged the Federal Government to intensify its efforts against drug abuse by introducing tougher penalties for drug traffickers.
Obi made this call in a statement on X.com on Wednesday while commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In his statement, Obi highlighted economic hardship and unemployment as significant factors contributing to drug addiction, especially among the youth.
His statement partly read, “For a predominantly youthful population like Nigeria, where poverty and unemployment are increasing, the incidence of drug abuse remains high. Economic hardship and other poor socio-economic factors have been identified as the leading causes of drug abuse among our youth.”
Citing reports by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, he emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent a potential rise in drug users in Nigeria.
He added, “A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicates that Nigeria and some African countries could see a 40 percent rise in the population of drug users, particularly among the youth, if swift measures are not implemented.”
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years abuse drugs.”
News
Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
News
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
News
Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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