Nigeria News (Standard)
Ghana FA Protests Canada’s Visa Ban on Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Clash in Panama
Ghanaian officials say midfielder’s exclusion affects team preparations; Canada yet to comment as match approaches
Ghanaian officials say midfielder’s exclusion affects team preparations; Canada yet to comment as match approaches
The Ghana Football Association has lodged a formal protest with Canadian authorities over the refusal to grant a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, blocking his participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama. The incident occurred ahead of the match scheduled to hold in Panama City, as Ghana intensifies its campaign for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
According to officials from the Ghana FA, Partey was denied entry clearance by Canadian immigration despite being listed in Ghana’s official squad. The association stated that all required documents were submitted, but no reason has been given for the decision. The team has described the development as a setback, particularly as they finalise preparations for the crucial fixture.
The situation has heightened concerns among stakeholders and supporters in both Ghana and across Africa, where Partey is regarded as a key figure for the Black Stars. With World Cup qualification at stake, the absence of one of their most experienced midfielders could affect Ghana’s chances against Panama. Officials say such visa denials are rare at this stage of high-profile tournaments, raising questions about diplomatic and sporting protocols between countries.
The Ghana FA released a statement urging Canadian authorities to reconsider their stance and facilitate Partey’s participation. “We have fulfilled all requirements and expect fair treatment for our players,” a spokesperson said. As at press time, Canadian officials have not issued any public response regarding the protest or provided clarification on why Partey was denied entry.
With the match approaching, it remains unclear whether diplomatic intervention will allow Partey to join his teammates in time. The episode underscores ongoing challenges African teams face with international travel logistics during major competitions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Factcheckers Expose Old Imo State Killings Video Circulating as Recent Attack
Digital investigators confirm viral footage predates latest security incidents as Imo Police warn public against misinformation
Digital investigators confirm viral footage predates latest security incidents as Imo Police warn public against misinformation
A video currently trending on social media claiming to show a recent attack in Imo State has been confirmed by factcheckers to be footage from an earlier incident. The video, which depicts scenes of violence and casualties, began circulating widely on Sunday, sparking fear among residents and concern from local authorities.
Investigators traced the origins of the clip and discovered it was first shared online months ago, following clashes in a different part of Imo State. Despite its age, the video resurfaced with captions linking it to alleged fresh attacks this week in communities around Orlu Local Government Area. Security agencies have since clarified that no such new incident matching the viral content occurred on the dates claimed.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges with misinformation in Nigeria’s security environment, especially in South-East states where tensions remain high over recurring violence. False claims and recycled videos have previously heightened anxiety and complicated response efforts by both security forces and humanitarian agencies.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, cautioned residents against spreading unverified content online. “We urge members of the public to verify any information before sharing it further. Misinformation undermines security operations and causes unnecessary panic,” Okoye said in a written statement on Monday.
Authorities said they are monitoring digital platforms for misleading posts while urging citizens to report suspicious activities through official channels. Analysts warn that repeated circulation of old violent imagery can erode public trust and distract attention from legitimate security concerns still facing communities across Imo State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Boko Haram Strikes Chibok’s Kautikari Community, Burns Down Two Schools in Borno State
Fresh assault forces residents to flee as destruction of schools renews fears over children’s safety in North-East
Fresh assault forces residents to flee as destruction of schools renews fears over children’s safety in North-East
Suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area, Borno State, on Friday evening, setting both the primary and secondary school buildings ablaze. The assault left hundreds of residents fleeing into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities to escape the violence, with the attackers targeting public infrastructure before withdrawing from the area.
Local sources reported that the gunmen stormed Kautikari after nightfall, focusing their attack on educational facilities. While no fatalities were immediately confirmed, the destruction of both schools has disrupted learning for children already affected by years of insecurity in the North-East. Residents described scenes of panic as families abandoned homes and livelihoods, adding that this incident marks another round of violence in a community repeatedly targeted by insurgent groups.
The attack comes just over a decade after the infamous abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014, which drew international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges. Despite ongoing military operations and government assurances, communities across Borno continue to face threats to education and safety. Reports indicate that Kautikari has suffered multiple attacks in recent months, forcing some families to relocate permanently out of fear.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement regarding Friday’s incident. However, parents and local leaders have called on both state and federal authorities to strengthen protection for schools across Borno State. “The repeated targeting of our schools is endangering the future of our children,” one community elder said during a telephone interview. Education stakeholders warn that continued attacks could undermine efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions and keep displaced pupils out of classrooms for even longer.
As assessment teams begin evaluating the extent of damage in Kautikari, humanitarian agencies say urgent intervention is needed to provide temporary learning spaces and psychosocial support for affected children. The latest assault underscores the persistent challenge posed by armed groups in the North-East despite military gains claimed by government forces. Authorities have pledged to intensify patrols around vulnerable communities while promising swift reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Boko Haram Insurgents Attack Borno School, Kill One and Burn Classrooms in Chibok LGA
Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions
Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on Kautikari village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday evening, killing one person and setting fire to part of a secondary school. The incident was confirmed by local authorities and the Borno State Police Command on Sunday.
According to Malah Kyari, Education Secretary for Chibok LGA, the attackers specifically targeted the junior secondary section of Government Day Secondary School. “I can confirm that the insurgents attacked the Kautikari community yesterday, killed one person, and set ablaze one block containing five classrooms and an office at Kautikari JSS,” Kyari stated.
Kautikari is a community that previously gained international attention during the mass abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014. The latest attack has revived concerns about the safety of educational institutions and residents in the area, which remains vulnerable despite years of counter-insurgency efforts by government forces.
Police Public Relations Officer for Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident and said security personnel responded promptly to limit further damage. “They attacked Kautikari village, where they burnt two classrooms at Government Day Secondary School and killed one person, a man,” Daso said. He added that security operatives faced resistance from the assailants but were able to repel them before more harm could be done.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing while patrols have been intensified in Chibok LGA to prevent further attacks. The state government has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Meanwhile, education officials are assessing damages with a view to restoring learning facilities for affected students.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/boko-haram-attacks-borno-school-kills-one-burns-classrooms/
