Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Questions US Role in Deadly Iranian Girls’ School Strike
Former US President casts doubt on Washington’s involvement as global outrage mounts over attack that killed several students
Former US President casts doubt on Washington’s involvement as global outrage mounts over attack that killed several students
Former United States President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism about America’s responsibility in the recent strike on a girls’ school in Iran, which resulted in multiple fatalities. Trump made the remarks on Thursday while addressing supporters, amid growing international condemnation of the incident.
The attack, which occurred earlier this week in an undisclosed city in Iran, led to the deaths of several female students and left many more injured. Details of the strike remain unclear, but Iranian authorities have blamed foreign actors for the tragedy. While Iranian officials accused the US of orchestrating the attack, Trump publicly questioned these claims, saying there was no evidence linking Washington to the incident.
The incident has sparked outrage among human rights groups and governments worldwide. Many have called for a thorough investigation and demanded accountability for those behind the school bombing. The deaths have renewed concerns about civilian safety and heightened tensions between Iran and Western powers, especially following a series of escalations in the region over recent months.
In his statement, Trump maintained that while he condemned any violence against civilians, particularly children, he did not believe US forces were involved. He urged for calm and called on all parties to avoid further escalation. Iranian officials, however, insist that their intelligence points to American involvement and have vowed to respond accordingly.
As at Thursday evening, there was no independent verification of Iran’s claims regarding US involvement in the attack. The United Nations has called for an impartial inquiry into the incident, while diplomatic channels between Tehran and Washington remain tense. The situation is being closely monitored by regional analysts who warn that further accusations could worsen already fragile relations.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kyoto Opens World’s First Plush Toy Shrine, Honours Over 26,000 Stuffed Animals
Newly launched Nuigurumi Jinja to begin receiving visitors during Tanabata festival as families seek emotional closure
Newly launched Nuigurumi Jinja to begin receiving visitors during Tanabata festival as families seek emotional closure
Authorities in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, have inaugurated what is believed to be the world’s first shrine solely dedicated to plush toys, offering memorial and thanksgiving ceremonies for cherished stuffed animals. The site, known as Nuigurumi Jinja (Plush Toy Shrine), was established on 20 June and will officially open its doors to the public on 7 July to coincide with the annual Tanabata festival.
The founder, Komichi Horiguchi, who also created the popular Plush Toy Hospital repair service, said the idea came from observing the deep emotional bonds people form with their plushies. According to Horiguchi, more than 26,000 toys have been repaired by her organisation for owners across Japan and internationally. She noted that many people regard these toys as companions during childhood, illness and difficult periods, making it difficult for them to simply dispose of them when they get old or damaged.
The shrine is located in Kyoto’s scenic Miyama area and features plush-inspired architecture — including a torii gate with bear-like ears and a worship hall with a bear-shaped window. In keeping with Japanese tradition, the site underwent a formal Shinto spirit-enshrinement ritual before its opening, with support from an existing Kyoto shrine giving it religious legitimacy within Shinto practice.
Services at Nuigurumi Jinja will include thanksgiving rites for treasured toys, memorials for plushies beyond repair and a peaceful resting place for those being retired. Visitors will be able to collect special amulets and commemorative stamps or leave written messages of gratitude for their beloved stuffed animals. Organisers said the shrine is not just a novelty but responds to genuine emotional needs among the public.
Speaking about the project, Horiguchi said: “Many people feel real sadness when they can no longer keep a favourite plush toy. This shrine is here to help them say goodbye in a meaningful way.” Social media users have described the concept as heartwarming and uniquely Japanese. The practice aligns with broader cultural traditions in Japan where objects like dolls and sewing needles are honoured after years of service. The opening has attracted significant attention online as families prepare to visit during Tanabata festival.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels
Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels
Many residents of Kaduna and Zaria in Kaduna State have turned to charcoal and firewood for their daily cooking needs following a sharp rise in the price of cooking gas. As at Thursday, June 25, 2026, the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased significantly across major markets in the North-West, pushing families to seek cheaper alternatives.
The hike in LPG prices has been attributed by local traders and residents to factors including volatile naira exchange rates and persistent inflation affecting import-dependent commodities. Households who previously relied on gas cylinders now frequent roadside vendors selling firewood and charcoal, with demand for these traditional fuels rising sharply in recent weeks.
The shift marks a setback for government efforts to encourage clean energy adoption and reduce deforestation. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics recently reported inflation hovering above 33 percent, with energy costs among the primary drivers of hardship for urban and peri-urban communities. Many affected residents say they are unable to afford refilling their cylinders at current prices, which have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
Despite repeated assurances from federal authorities about measures to stabilise gas supply and pricing, relief has yet to reach consumers. Several residents who spoke at local markets in Kaduna expressed frustration with the lack of effective intervention. “We just dey manage now with firewood because gas money don too much,” one woman said.
As the rainy season advances, experts warn that continued reliance on charcoal and firewood could worsen indoor air pollution and environmental degradation. Advocacy groups are urging government to prioritise affordable access to cleaner fuels as part of its broader energy policy reforms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Leader Over Alleged ₦3.8bn Money Laundering From Bauchi Government
Anti-graft agency files charges in Abuja as cattle breeders’ association faces scrutiny over multi-million dollar transfer
Anti-graft agency files charges in Abuja as cattle breeders’ association faces scrutiny over multi-million dollar transfer
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore with money laundering involving a reported $2.53 million (about ₦3.8 billion at current rates) said to have been received from the Bauchi State government. The arraignment took place in Abuja on Thursday, marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to tackle financial crimes linked to public funds.
According to information made available by the EFCC, the leader of the influential cattle breeders’ association is accused of receiving funds from Bauchi State government coffers without due process, allegedly disguising the source and intended use of the money. The commission stated that investigations uncovered suspicious transfers and that the accused failed to provide satisfactory explanations when questioned.
This case has drawn attention from stakeholders across Nigeria, given Miyetti Allah’s prominent role in livestock policy discussions and its influence within rural communities. Anti-corruption campaigners say it underlines persistent concerns about transparency in dealings between state governments and powerful interest groups. The EFCC has stepped up efforts in recent years to trace illicit financial flows involving associations and individuals with close ties to government officials.
While details of the court proceedings are still emerging, EFCC spokespersons have reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Calls for comment from Miyetti Allah officials were not immediately returned as at press time, while Bauchi State government representatives have yet to issue an official response regarding their role in the transaction.
The case is expected to proceed with further hearings in Abuja. Observers note that its outcome could set an important precedent for accountability in state-level disbursements and dealings with non-governmental associations.
Kyoto Opens World’s First Plush Toy Shrine, Honours Over 26,000 Stuffed Animals
Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
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EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Leader Over Alleged ₦3.8bn Money Laundering From Bauchi Government
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