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Iran accuses US of lacking seriousness in diplomatic efforts, citing ceasefire violations
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Iran's foreign ministry stated on Monday that the United States is not serious about diplomacy, citing alleged violations of a two-week ceasefire. Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei pointed to a US attack on an Iranian cargo ship, a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and delays in implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon as "clear violations." Iran has been in conflict with Israel and the United States since February 28, following strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite a fragile ceasefire that began on April 8, a previous round of negotiations failed to yield a deal. US President Donald Trump announced that US negotiators would travel to Pakistan for further talks, but Baqaei indicated that Iran currently has no plans for the next round of negotiations. Key unresolved issues include Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Baqaei clarified that transferring enriched uranium to the United States has never been discussed as an option.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has reaffirmed its commitment to the rescue of abducted students and teachers across Nigeria, declaring support for advocacy efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated on Thursday in Abuja that the student body remains focused on ensuring the freedom of all abducted individuals and will continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilize support for their rescue. Akinteye emphasized that the safety of students and teachers must be a national priority, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if not addressed urgently. He added that NANS will work with labor unions, parents, community leaders, and security agencies to pressure the government until the abductees are rescued. While commending the NLC and NUT for their advocacy, Akinteye stressed that NANS's primary concern is the welfare of the victims, not political considerations. He distanced the association from politically affiliated groups, insisting that the campaign for rescue should not be used for partisan interests. Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, reiterating that he is a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. He urged media organizations to verify information to avoid distracting from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools. The statement follows heightened concerns over school securit
Napoli, the Italian Serie A runners-up, announced on Thursday the departure of coach Antonio Conte and his staff after two years, with an agreement reached to part ways before their contracts expired. The club expressed gratitude for their work and wished them well for future endeavors. Conte, 56, who led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2024/25 season, is reportedly a leading candidate to become the next Italy coach, a role he previously held from 2014 to 2016. Napoli is said to be in advanced discussions with Massimiliano Allegri, 58, who was recently dismissed from AC Milan.
The Anambra State government has pledged to ensure justice for a 16-year-old girl who was gang-raped by eight men, including her guardian, in Nawfia community. The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, expressed outrage and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice. A medical report confirmed the teenager is two months pregnant due to the repeated sexual assaults. The case was reported by a Catholic priest. The victim recounted that her guardian had been forcing himself on her nightly, followed by other men. A "Good Samaritan" facilitated her rescue, leading to some arrests. The victim also stated that her guardian's wife, a stroke patient, was unable to intervene. Police at the Nawfia Division have arrested two of the eight suspects, with six remaining at large. The case is currently being handled at the Nawfia Police station.
Security was reinforced around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, with anti-riot police cordoning off the main gates. This security measure follows a planned march to the Villa by human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Sowore declared he would lead protesters to Aso Rock if schoolchildren abducted from Oyo and Borno states were not rescued. He announced on Wednesday that the AAC and its Take It Back Movement would march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, June 4, under the hashtag #OccupyAsoRock. Participants plan to demand the immediate release of kidnapped schoolchildren and other victims across Nigeria, calling on President Tinubu to ensure their safe return or resign. The planned march addresses the abductions of 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oyo State, and 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State, both occurring on May 15, 2026. The federal government had previously dispatched a delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to the affected Oyo communities, where President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialized rescue unit. The Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State starting June 1, with nationwide solidarity rallies held on June 2.