Eight children still missing after gunmen raid Nigerian orphanage, 15 rescued
via The Namibian2 min read
Eight children remain missing following an attack by gunmen on an unregistered orphanage in Nigeria’s north-central Kogi State, where 23 children were initially kidnapped. According to Kogi’s information commissioner Kingsley Fanwo, 15 children were rescued due to a “prompt and coordinated response” from security agencies. The owner of the facility was also taken during Sunday’s attack. No group has claimed responsibility, but security sources indicate a functional Boko Haram cell in the state and a history of violent attacks in the area. Nigeria is experiencing a widespread kidnapping crisis, with criminal gangs abducting individuals for ransom, despite a government ban on such payments. Fanwo stated the government is committed to rescuing all victims and highlighted that the orphanage operated “illegally” in a “bushy environment” without official knowledge. He urged institutions like orphanages and schools to engage with government agencies, especially given the current security situation. While mass kidnappings in schools are common in Nigeria’s northern region, this marks the first time an orphanage has been targeted. In November 2025, over 300 students and teachers were abducted from a Catholic Secondary School in Niger State and later released, with the government denying ransom payments or the release of Boko Haram commanders.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Telecom Namibia and Angola’s Gabinete de Gestão do Programa Espacial Nacional GGPEN have signed an agreement in Luanda to test the Angosat-2 satellite. This partnership follows a proof-of-concept phase and involves Telecom Namibia conducting a pilot commercial trial. The trial will evaluate the satellite's technical performance, service capabilities, and commercial viability in real operating conditions. The goal is to work towards a commercial launch of satellite services after the pilot phase concludes. Fimanekeni Petrus, Telecom Namibia board chairperson, stated that this initiative aims to expand connectivity and provide reliable digital services to remote communities. Telecom Namibia believes the satellite service could benefit various sectors, including lodges, tourism, mining, schools, farms, businesses, and rural populations. Angolan infrastructure will support the satellite platform, integrating it with fibre and submarine cable systems. The pilot phase will help Telecom Namibia assess the sustainability of these services before deciding on long-term implementation. The signing ceremony was attended by Angola’s minister of telecommunications, information technologies and social communication, Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, and Namibian minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, along with officials from both organizations.
Namibia's Cabinet has approved two health agreements to address medical supply shortages. Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Wenzel Kavaka announced on Thursday that Cabinet endorsed an agreement with Egypt for pharmaceutical products and medical devices. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the supply and management of these items. Additionally, Cabinet approved an agreement with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC for procurement services, supporting the acquisition of health products. These approvals come as Namibia faces shortages of essential medicines, with national stock levels reported at about 60% last month. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had expressed concern over these shortages. The Ministry of Health and Social Services recently announced the arrival and distribution of 37 previously scarce medicines, including treatments for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and epilepsy, received between May 18 and June 4.
Residents affected by floods in Katima Mulilo are facing eviction from temporary relocation camps at the Ngweze Community Hall, despite some claiming their homes were completely destroyed. The Katima Mulilo Town Council had relocated families in March after heavy rains caused flooding and damage. Now that the rainy season has ended, the council is moving residents back, with a deadline of Friday. Alice Sishango, a relocated resident, stated her house was fully damaged and she cannot afford to rebuild, expressing frustration at the council's refusal to grant more time. Another resident, Ngweze Zambwe, also reported having no home to return to and that her request for a temporary tent was denied. She mentioned that officials, including the minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, had previously promised building materials, blankets, and mattresses upon their return, but these have not materialized. Katima Mulilo Town Council chief of fire, disaster and risk management Cornelius Matomola confirmed the evictions, stating that homesteads are now habitable and that the directive to move residents back was received from the regional council in May. He clarified that the council did not promise building materials, but would provide tents for three months to those rebuilding completely damaged homes, as the community hall needs to be rehabilitated for its intended use.