UN Secretary-General urges South Africa to end xenophobic attacks
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on South Africa to stop xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals. Through his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province. He highlighted that South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle was founded on global and African solidarity, stating that "violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society." The UN chief also noted the significant contributions of people from across the continent to South Africa's development. While acknowledging the country's socio-economic challenges, Guterres welcomed the government's commitment to the National Action Plan against Racism and Xenophobia. He stressed the importance of prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into recent violence against foreign nationals. Guterres also extended greetings to South Africa on its Freedom Day.
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Gerardo Bedoya, a former Colombian international, holds the record for the most red cards in football history, accumulating 46 dismissals during his career. His aggressive playing style continued into his coaching career, where he was once sent off from the touchline. Following Bedoya, Sergio Ramos is second with 30 red cards, making him one of the most frequently sent-off elite modern players. Pablo Alfaro received 27 red cards, while Felipe Melo was dismissed 26 times. Edgar Davids accumulated 25 red cards, and Paolo Montero, who holds the Serie A record, received 23. Alexis Ruano Delgado, Rafael Márquez, Cyril Rool, and Gerardo Torrado each received 22 red cards, rounding out the top ten list of players with the most career red cards.
BreakingTerrorists, suspected to be Boko Haram members, have threatened to execute 176 women and children abducted from the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State if their demands are not met by the Nigerian government within one week. The ultimatum was reportedly issued through the abductees after a Jumu’ah prayer session on Friday, according to community members and families. Salihu Bio, the traditional ruler of the community, whose wife is among the captives, confirmed the threat, stating that one abductee was allowed to contact her family to relay the message. The terrorists expressed frustration over the government's perceived lack of commitment to negotiations. A community source indicated that the captors threatened to marry off some girls and kill those deemed "liabilities" if no agreement is reached. The abductees were reportedly being taught Arabic and Islamic knowledge. In a video, an armed militant claimed responsibility for the abduction, stating the victims had been indoctrinated and were given an opportunity to appeal to their government. Efforts to get an official response from the police were unsuccessful.
The Presidency has countered claims that President Bola Tinubu is neglecting the North West, citing significant investments in infrastructure, health, and transportation. This rebuttal was made during a media briefing by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors RHA in Abuja, ahead of a nationwide project showcase tour starting in Kaduna. Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties and RHA’s Director of Media and Publicity, stated that the tour aims to demonstrate the administration's commitment to the region. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized the need to publicize these achievements to address an information gap. Mr. Finbarr Zirra, Director of Rail Transport Service at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, provided a technical presentation on railway projects, noting the North West's role as a central point in a national rail integration program. He highlighted the 60% completion of the $2 billion standard gauge rail project linking Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic, and the advanced completion of the Kaduna-Kano segment of the Lagos-Kano corridor. Zirra also mentioned a branch line from Kano to Dutse under construction and the strategic importance of Kano as a future multi-modal rail hub. The RHA, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, recently launched a website to serve as a verified information hub for the administration's achievements and reforms.
Must ReadThe Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in a coordinated security operation, uncovered and neutralized explosive devices at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfom John, stated that the recovery averted a potential tragedy. The operation followed credible intelligence from correctional authorities about suspicious items. Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, BomPol Base 38, Uyo, and other tactical teams. The search yielded two 90mm high explosive rounds, a 45cm burning fuse, a pair of pincers, a flat screwdriver, two 12mm iron chisels, and a 6cm conduit iron pipe. The EOD team safely rendered the explosives harmless, preventing potential loss of life and infrastructure damage. Security has been reinforced around the facility with increased surveillance and patrols. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the explosives and apprehend those involved. The police assured residents that the situation is under control and urged vigilance against suspicious activities. They warned criminal elements against undermining public safety or targeting critical institutions, reaffirming their commitment to protecting lives and property.