INEC chairman, prof. Mahmood Yakubu has concluded his second tenure as INEC chairman today.

After ten years in office, prof. Mahmood yakubu handed over to inec national commissioner, May Agbamuche Mbu, as acting INEC chairman, pending the appointment of a new INEC chairman by the president.

The handing over was made during a meeting with resident electoral commissioners

Israel Launches Heavy Airstrikes in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Collapse

Tensions in the Middle East have surged once again as Israel carried out a series of heavy airstrikes on Gaza late Sunday night, following the collapse of ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

According to international reports, the strikes targeted areas suspected of housing Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels, weapons storage sites, and command centers. Witnesses described powerful explosions that lit up the night sky, with plumes of smoke and debris rising across Gaza City. Emergency responders have been racing to rescue civilians trapped under the rubble, while hospitals struggle to cope with a growing number of casualties.

The Palestinian health ministry reported several deaths and dozens of injuries, though the exact figures remain unclear amid the chaos.

The renewed violence follows weeks of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at achieving a durable ceasefire and improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Sources close to the negotiations said discussions collapsed over disputes concerning prisoner swaps, border access, and security assurances.

Israeli officials said the airstrikes were a “necessary response” to continued rocket attacks from Gaza, while Hamas vowed swift retaliation.

The United Nations, the European Union, and several world leaders have called for restraint and a resumption of dialogue to prevent the situation from spiraling into a wider conflict. Meanwhile, civilians on both sides continue to bear the brunt of the violence—facing blackouts, food shortages, and growing fear as hopes for peace once again fade.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State government has debunked claims that nine local government areas of the State are under siege by the bandits, saying “this is totally false as no local government area is under siege in the state”.

A statement by Mrs Bolanle Olukoju,
Commissioner for Communications, said: “The unfortunate challenges we have had in a few areas do not warrant the wicked escalation and fake news which are being promoted by opposition elements in and outside of the state.

“We have reasonable grounds to suspect that these elements are the online promoters and equivalence of bandits as they help to instill fear in the populace through fake news such as the unfounded claim of nine LGAs being under siege and movement of gunmen in parts of Asa LGA.

“We regretfully observe that Mr. Peter Obi has lent his social media handles to spreading such fake news. This is not expected from him as a statesman. We request Mr. Peter Obi to bring down the post as it is totally false and inappropriate.

“We also urge members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information, which may cause panic, confusion, and psychological trauma to the people.

“This irresponsible behaviour is making things harder for the security forces who already have enough on their plates.”

End