News
Reps to Probe Land Fraud in FCT, Aiming for Transparency and Fairness
The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to investigate the alleged fraudulent allocation of title documents to some real estate developers before the appointment of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mr. Jonathan Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State. Gbefwi, a member of the Social Democratic Party, highlighted concerns about the issuance of land documents in the FCT before Wike’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.
Gbefwi stated, “The House wonders if the Director of Lands or any official of the Federal Capital Territory Development Administration had the legal right or authority to issue the Right of Occupancy purportedly in the name of the Minister of FCT during the vacancy of the Minister’s office.”
He added, “The House is concerned about lands under litigation and the potential for conflicts arising from disputed allocations. It is essential to ensure that all title documents are issued lawfully to maintain public trust.”
Following the resolution, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the Committee on FCT to investigate all land allocations made in the name of the Minister of FCT between January and August 2023. The House also resolved to identify lands subject to litigation or multiple allocations and recommended that their allocation be withdrawn pending resolution.
The committee is expected to report back to the House in four weeks, underscoring the commitment to transparency and fairness in land allocation processes.
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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