Thursday, 11 June 2026

Fresh graduate, his father, brother and seven others k!lled in IED explosion on Zamfara road

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion has k!lled ten people and injured seven others along the Bagega-Anka route in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. According to reports, the incident occurred at 6:15 p.m. on Monday when a commercial Volkswagen Golf 3 Wagon transporting passengers from Bagega to Anka collided with an explosive device allegedly set by suspected bandits in the vicinity. Spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, June 11, 2026 said that one fatality and seven injuries were initially recorded in the explosion. He said the command, following reports of the blast, deployed specialised tactical teams to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, disclosed that the command said nine additional bodies were recovered from the scene by the police tactical team during ongoing search and recovery efforts. The explosion reportedly occurred between Tungar Kudaku and Bagega communities along the road, prompting an immediate response from security operatives. "Following the deployment of security personnel to the affected area, an extensive assessment was carried out, leading to the recovery of nine additional bodies from the scene of the explosion,” Zagazola quoted a police source as saying The recovered bodies were reportedly evacuated to a hospital for autopsy and other necessary procedures before being released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. Police authorities said security measures had been strengthened along the Anka–Bagega corridor to prevent further incidents and reassure road users. They added that visibility patrols had been intensified along the route as part of efforts to enhance security and deter criminal activities. The authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or objects to security agencies. They also assured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining security and safeguarding lives and property across the state. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion are said to be ongoing. Among the dead are Abban Bagega, a fresh graduate of Federal University Gusau, his father, Alhaji Salisu Bagega, and his younger brother.

Haiti forced to change World Cup jersey over war imagery

Haiti have been forced to change its kit design just days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match after the governing body banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts. FIFA had raised concerns over an artwork depicting the Battle of Vertières, a pivotal moment in the country’s fight for independence. In a statement responding to the decision, kit manufacturer Saeta confirmed that it had worked with FIFA to ensure the design would meet requirements, even having “successfully implemented the requested modifications” during the mandatory review process. “Working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, our objective throughout the process was to create a jersey that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian people,” Saeta said in a statement. “Several concepts were developed and refined over a number of months and submitted through Fifa’s standard approval process. The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future and was not intended as a political statement. “During the review process, Fifa determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design. While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by Fifa. We remain proud to have contributed, alongside the Haitian Football Federation, to this historic moment for Haitian football and wish the team every success at the Fifa World Cup.” Haiti’s jerseys come in blue (home), white (away) and red (third) with red collars and sleeves and the national team’s badge in the center of the shirt. The point of contention resided on the shirt’s right hip, which depicted silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertières and the Haitian Revolution. In 1803, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who later became the nation’s first emperor, tore the white band off of a French flag to create a new flag for “the world’s first free Black republic”. The moment is commemorated throughout the nation every 18 May as Haitian Flag Day.

Singer Ruger takes break from music following legal battle with ex-girlfriend

Nigerian singer Ruger's record label has explained why the artist has been absent from the music scene. In a statement, the label disclosed that the "Bounce" singer has been away due to a legal dispute with an ex-girlfriend. According to the statement, the former partner sued Ruger for alleged "emotional distress" and "damages." The statement partly read, "Ruger was caught up in a series of personal challenges after someone he dated decided to sue him for alleged 'emotional distress,' and 'damages.'" The label added that the singer will return to the music scene in August.

"Doctors told me to get my affairs in order" — Singer, Billy Ray Cyrus recalls near-death health scare

Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus has opened up about a serious health battle that nearly claimed his life in 2024. According Daily Mail, the 64-year-old singer revealed that he was hospitalised with sepsis and later developed vocal paralysis, a condition that affected his ability to sing. "I don't know exactly how it evolved. It was my worst nightmare," he said. According to Cyrus, his condition became so severe that doctors advised him to get his affairs in order. He recalled that his entire body became swollen during the ordeal and admitted he feared the worst. The singer said he eventually recovered, describing his survival as an answered prayer and a miracle. Cyrus also credited encouragement from family members, including his children and grandson, for helping him through the difficult period

Billionaire David Geffen reunites with ex-husband months after settling divorce

Billionaire entertainment mogul David Geffen was spotted with his ex-husband, David Armstrong, during a surprise reunion in Spain months after settling their divorce. According to Daily Mail, the pair were seen aboard Geffen's yacht, Rising Sun, off the coast of Mallorca, appearing relaxed as they spent time together. The sighting comes after the former couple's highly publicised split and lengthy legal battle following the end of their marriage. Geffen filed for divorce in 2025, citing irreconcilable differences. The separation later led to legal disputes over financial support, with both sides making claims in court filings. Despite the legal drama that surrounded their breakup, the former couple appeared to be on cordial terms during the reunion.

Nigeria not qualifiying for World Cup is a big miss – Chelsea legend John Terry says

Former England captain and Chelsea legend, John Terry, has described Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a big miss. Speaking during a virtual roundtable hosted by SuperSport and attended by our correspondent ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Terry expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, saying the absence of the Super Eagles would be a significant blow to the competition. The Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament after a disappointing qualifying campaign.
Eric Chelle’s men ended the CAF World Cup qualifying campaign second in Group C behind South Africa, who claimed the group’s automatic ticket to the tournament. The Super Eagles remained in contention after overcoming Gabon in the playoff semi-final, but their hopes of reaching the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico were dashed when they suffered a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoff final. According to the former defender, the tournament would have been richer with the presence of the three-time African champions. “I have to say quietly because I am currently in South Africa, that Nigeria is going to be a big miss,” Terry said. “This is a World Cup for participants who haven’t had time to play in the competition. I would have loved to have a top side like Nigeria to be there because they have got some great individuals. They are a great nation.”

Jason Derulo criticised over shark and manta ray aquarium inside his home

Singer Jason Derulo has come under criticism online after a video showed a shark and a manta ray being kept in a floor aquarium inside his home in Tarzana, California. The video, which surfaced during a tour of the house with streamer N3on, sparked debate on social media, with many people questioning whether the animals had enough space and a suitable environment. Several users on Reddit described the setup as cruel, arguing that the aquarium appeared too small for the marine animals. Some also claimed the tank lacked features that could mimic a natural habitat. One critic said there was "absolutely no reason" for the display and accused celebrities of treating animals as showpieces, while another argued that keeping sharks and rays in such a setting should be illegal. Others pointed to the bright lights, noise and lack of hiding spaces, saying the animals could be under unnecessary stress. Some commenters suggested Derulo could have achieved the same visual effect with robotic or digital displays instead of live animals. The singer has not publicly responded to the criticism. Daily Mail reported that it contacted his representatives for comment.

Fresh graduate, his father, brother and seven others k!lled in IED explosion on Zamfara road

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion has k!lled ten people and injured seven others along the Bagega-Anka route in Anka Local G...