Nigeria News (Standard)
Ondo Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists, Recover Weapons in Akoko South West
Police say Special Anti-Cultism Squad acted on intelligence; suspects linked to recent rise in cult activities in the area
Police say Special Anti-Cultism Squad acted on intelligence; suspects linked to recent rise in cult activities in the area
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested six suspected cultists during a targeted operation in Akungba and Iwaro-Akoko, both in Akoko South West Local Council Area. The arrests were made in the early hours of Tuesday, following credible intelligence on alleged unlawful confraternity activities within the area.
According to Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State Command, the operation was carried out by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) after reports of increased cult-related incidents in Akoko. The suspects—Damilare Kayode (30), Adejoro Godwin (30), Adedapo Ogunro (36), Chisom Okechukwu (21), Ademulegun Imisi (26), and Odugunle Bukola (21)—were apprehended at different locations across Akungba and Iwaro-Akoko.
The police spokesperson stated that the ongoing security challenges in Akoko axis prompted heightened surveillance and intervention efforts. “The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating the activities of suspected cult members within the affected areas,” Jimoh said. He added that weapons recovered from the suspects would be used as evidence as investigations continue.
Jimoh further assured residents that police are intensifying efforts to dismantle unlawful groups threatening peace in Ondo State. He urged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to authorities. As at press time, investigations were ongoing to determine if there are other accomplices and to establish any connections between the suspects and recent violent incidents reported in Akoko South West.
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order across all local council areas and called on traditional rulers and community leaders to support ongoing security initiatives.
Nigeria News (Standard)
WHO Confirms Ebola Cases Surpass 1,000 With 254 Deaths Recorded Globally
World Health Organisation urges intensified response as outbreak spreads to new regions and death toll rises sharply
World Health Organisation urges intensified response as outbreak spreads to new regions and death toll rises sharply
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease have now crossed the 1,000 mark worldwide, with the official death toll reaching 254 as at Tuesday, 23 June. The global health body disclosed this development in its latest update on the ongoing outbreak, which has affected several countries in recent weeks.
According to WHO, the surge in cases comes amid increased transmission in some affected regions, leading to growing concern among public health authorities. The organisation stated that efforts are ongoing to contain the spread of the virus, including enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and deployment of medical teams to affected communities.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease that causes severe haemorrhagic fever and has a high mortality rate if not managed promptly. The current outbreak has raised alarm due to its rapid escalation and expansion into new areas previously considered low-risk. WHO noted that this spike in numbers underscores the need for robust public health interventions and international support to prevent further fatalities.
In its update, WHO called on governments and partners to strengthen their response capacities and ensure adequate provision of personal protective equipment for frontline health workers. The organisation also emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis and isolation of suspected cases to break chains of transmission.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation as international agencies mobilise additional resources for containment. WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting national governments in their efforts to curtail the outbreak and mitigate humanitarian impact. The organisation warned that unless urgent measures are taken, the number of infections and deaths could continue to rise in coming weeks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Government Shuts Oshodi Market After Traders Clash With KAI Officials
Commissioner Wahab orders indefinite closure as authorities investigate vandalism; residents advised to use alternative markets
Commissioner Wahab orders indefinite closure as authorities investigate vandalism; residents advised to use alternative markets
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Oshodi Resettlement Market following a violent incident between traders and officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI, on Sunday. The decision was announced after several government vehicles were damaged during an enforcement operation in Oshodi, a key commercial area in Lagos Mainland LGA.
According to Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the confrontation began during a routine exercise aimed at removing environmental offenders and suspected hoodlums from the Oshodi axis. The operation reportedly escalated when some traders obstructed KAI officers from making arrests. The altercation turned violent, resulting in attacks on government personnel and vandalism of agency vehicles.
Oshodi Resettlement Market is one of Lagos’ busiest trading hubs, attracting thousands of shoppers daily seeking affordable clothing, footwear, household items and more. The closure has left hundreds of traders unable to conduct business and disrupted shopping plans for many residents who depend on the market’s competitive prices. “Lagos maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards assaults on enforcement officers,” Wahab said in a written statement. He added that investigations are ongoing to identify all those involved in the attack, and warned that such incidents would not be tolerated.
As at Monday evening, no date has been given for the market’s reopening. Traders and shoppers are urged to await further announcements while security agencies continue their investigation. In the interim, Lagosians are advised to patronise other major markets offering similar goods. These include Tejuosho Market in Yaba (noted for fashion items and accessories), Balogun Market on Lagos Island (renowned for wholesale and retail products), Arena Market within Oshodi axis (for general merchandise), Idumota Market (popular with bulk buyers), and Aswani Market (known for affordable clothing).
With state authorities vowing to restore order before any reopening, stakeholders in the market community have called for calm and urged all parties to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-closes-oshodi-market-alternatives-2026062317490691405
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Embassy in Abuja Opens Application Support for Nigerians Seeking Admission to American Universities
Programme targets prospective students nationwide, aims to increase access to US higher education opportunities for Nigerian youth
Programme targets prospective students nationwide, aims to increase access to US higher education opportunities for Nigerian youth
The United States Embassy in Abuja has announced the commencement of applications for its support programme designed for Nigerians who wish to secure admission into American universities. The initiative, which opened on Tuesday, is part of ongoing efforts to assist students across the country in navigating the competitive US university admissions process.
According to information released by the embassy, the programme will provide guidance and resources to eligible Nigerian applicants interested in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the United States. While specific figures were not disclosed, the embassy emphasised that the support covers critical aspects such as application preparation, information sessions, and advisory services.
This move comes as many Nigerian students continue to face challenges with securing places at reputable foreign institutions due to complex application requirements and limited access to reliable information. The US remains a top destination for Nigerian scholars, with thousands enrolling annually in various academic fields.
The embassy encouraged interested candidates from all regions of Nigeria to apply, noting that participants will benefit from expert advice on university selection, scholarship opportunities, and visa application procedures. The announcement did not include details on deadlines or selection criteria at this time.
Further updates on the application process are expected from the US Embassy’s EducationUSA office in Abuja and Lagos in coming weeks. Prospective applicants are advised to monitor official embassy channels for additional instructions and timelines.
WHO Confirms Ebola Cases Surpass 1,000 With 254 Deaths Recorded Globally
Lagos Government Shuts Oshodi Market After Traders Clash With KAI Officials
Ụlọ Akụ Nkwọcha Kwupụtara Oke Ego Ndekọ NPL Rutere Pasent Iri N’ihi Mmechi Usoro Forbearance
US Embassy in Abuja Opens Application Support for Nigerians Seeking Admission to American Universities
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