
Fifteen people were burnt to death in a two-bedroom apartment, and three others were shot dead in Niger State due to a land dispute. The incident occurred in Mararraban Gwadaro and Tashan Bako villages, Rafi Local Government Area. The conflict began on June 29 when Ibrahim Musa, 25, was shot dead in Godoro village. In retaliation, Bashir Mazi, 28, was killed by an aggrieved group. The clash is reportedly between the Fulani and Kamuku people, with a source indicating that at least 10 people had been killed and many houses burned before the latest incident. The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the crisis and stated that investigations are ongoing, with security operatives deployed to the area. The Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incidents, including the burning of 15 people on July 1, bringing the total death toll to 18. A reconciliation committee is working with security agencies to address the crisis.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadNigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi secured a significant win at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 9.84 seconds in the men’s 100m. This time equals his own Nigerian national record, which he first set in May. Ajayi’s performance saw him defeat reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished in 9.89 seconds, and American Olympian Christian Coleman, who took third with 9.95 seconds. Ajayi, 21, expressed confidence that faster times are achievable, stating, “Equalling the national record again means a lot. That means I can do better and I feel great about that.” This victory follows his recent NCAA Outdoor 100m title. Ajayi attributed his success to consistency, practice, staying healthy, and trusting himself and his coach. He also noted that the demanding collegiate athletics environment prepared him for professional competition, stating, “If I could overcome the pressure in the NCAA, that means I can overcome any pressure at pro level.” His 9.84s time is currently second only to Seville’s season-best of 9.82s. Ajayi initially broke Olusoji Fasuba’s 2006 national record of 9.85s in May at the NCAA East Regional Championships.
Must ReadThe Super Falcons, 10-time champions, will start their final preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a week-long training camp in Mohammedia, Morocco, beginning July 15. The tournament runs from July 25 to August 16, where Nigeria aims to defend its title and secure a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to announce the 24-player squad before their departure. The camp will focus on tactics, team chemistry, and physical conditioning before the team moves to Rabat. Nigeria is in Group C and will play Malawi on July 28, Zambia on August 1, and Egypt on August 5. Meanwhile, Malawi, Nigeria's first opponent, has appointed Sudesh Singh as Technical Adviser to meet Confederation of African Football coaching regulations, as their current head coach, Lovemore Fazili, lacks the required CAF A Coaching Licence. Singh will officially lead during matches, while Fazili will manage tactics and team selection. Malawi also added Tyrese Steyn as Performance Analyst.
Must ReadIndependent petroleum marketers in Nigeria are advocating for the reinstatement of their rights to import petroleum products, projecting that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit petrol could drop below N800 per liter. This comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to lower petrol costs, holding a stakeholders' meeting with major operators in the downstream petroleum sector, including representatives from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The meeting, which included the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN, and other industry bodies, addressed the disparity between falling global crude oil prices and persistently high domestic petrol prices. Abubakar Maigandi, National President of IPMAN, urged the government to allow independent marketers to import products directly and to support local refineries, stating that increased competition would drive down prices. He assured Nigerians that independent marketers are prepared to reduce prices, noting a current nationwide reduction of N125 per liter. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed concern that current petrol prices do not reflect international crude oil prices and warned marketers against using profits from previously acquired expensive fuel inventories to justify high prices. He emphasized that the benefits of lower replacement costs must be passed on to consumers and called for the s