Suspected Terrorists Kill Five In Kwara

In the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, five people have been killed by suspected terrorists in the past 24 hours.

A resident of the Karonzi community confirmed that two Fulani were killed on Wednesday evening around 8 pm in a hamlet close to the village.

He added that other area residents were forced to flee to safer neighborhoods as a result of the incident.

A group of twelve armed men reportedly burst into the bush on Thursday afternoon to ambush a motorcycle carrying three people in a different local government village.

On the spot, all three people died.

Residents of the area are now afraid to leave their homes because of the rising threat of killings and kidnappings, according to the source.

Ajibade Stars As Super Falcons Devour Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses

The Super Falcons of Nigeria only needed a brace in a friendly international on Tuesday to defeat the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon. &nbsp,

In the 28th minute of play, Ajibade converted a penalty and gave Nigeria the lead in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

As Ajibade, who recently left Atlético Madrid, pushed for Nigeria’s second, the Super Falcons kept moving, threatening the Cameroonian defense.

But they were barely able to endure because of the Central Africans. Nigeria was the one who, as expected, scored another goal just before halftime.

Fernandes rejects the Saudi-backed move to stay at Manchester United.

Ajibade was picked out in the Cameroonian box this time thanks to Omorinsola Babajide’s sublime pass. Nigeria’s second goal of the day came from the forward who hit the ball past the goalkeeper.

The visitors grew into the game and attempted to resurrect it when the game ended.

They almost had a goal back before the end of added time. However, the reigning CAF female goalkeeper made a stunning save to stop Cameroon, demonstrating her abilities.

Then, comfortably, Nigeria held on to win the game. In their 15th game victory over their neighbors, the Super Falcons won.

Both teams were scheduled to play two games. However, only one game was played as a result of Cameroon’s delayed arrival in Nigeria.

Coronation Street siblings unrecognisable nearly 20 years on from ITV soap exit

Twins who played the role of Bethany Platt in Coronation Street between 2000 and 2007 took to social media to share a sweet snap of the pair enjoying a holiday in Thailand

Twins Emily and Amy Walton, who played Bethany Platt(Image: Mark Campbell/REX/Shutterstock)

Fans of Coronation Street have been left stunned after former stars looked unrecognisable almost two decades on from their on-screen exit. The twin sisters were last seen on the ITV soap 17 years ago.

Emily and Amy Walton were tasked with playing the role of Bethany Platt for seven years between 2000 and 2007. The sisters split the time for the role of the youngster, who is the daughter of Tina O’Brien’s character, Sarah Platt.

The twin siblings were involved in a number of high-profile storylines during their stint on screen. One such story saw their character kidnapped by her paternal grandmother.

Emily and Amy Walton
Twins Emily and Amy Walton, shared the role of Bethany Platt as youngsters(Image: Instagram )

Their time on the show came to an end when Bethany and her mum relocated to Italy in 2007. The duo take a step out of the limelight following the exit and focused their attention on different career paths.

In 2016, Amy secured a place on the Great British trampoline team for the European Championships the following year. They had competed together in the British Trampoline finals.

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Earlier this year, Emily uploaded an image to Instagram of of her and her sister. The duo looked happy together as they enjoyed a holiday in Thailand. The caption read: “The last of Thailand,” alongside a yellow heart emoji.

Bethany Platt is the daughter of Tina O'Brien's character, Sarah
Bethany Platt is the daughter of Tina O’Brien’s character, Sarah(Image: Unknown)

Despite the sisters leaving the role as Bethany, the character later returned to the Weatherfield cobbles. Instead of the sisters sharing the role, Lucy Fallon took over proceedings.

She took on the role in 2015 and was quickly involved in a number of nail biting scenes. These included being groomed by Nathan Curtis, who was played by Christopher Harper. She also had to get a stoma bag following a botched surgery.

Despite the character again leaving Corrie in 2019, she returned once more in 2023. Her time off-screen coincided with the birth of her first child. She later announced she was pregnant with child number two, meaning she was stepping away again.

At present, the door has been left open for the star to return, but she has hinted a last exit was for good. In February, Bethany left Manchester behind to start a new chapter in London after a turbulent year. Determined to leave on her own terms, she asked her mother, Sarah Platt, played by Tina O’Brien, to deliver a note to her ex, Daniel Osbourne.

In the emotional scene, teacher Daniel rushed to Bethany’s flat in a desperate attempt to speak with her, only to be misled and told she had already gone. His heartbreak was made deeper when Sarah handed him a thank-you card from Bethany.

The note read: “Dear Daniel, thank you for showing me your true colours. From Bethany.”

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From ‘disgraceful’ low to ‘best day of life’ – how Vegas trip inspired Bublik

Images courtesy of Getty

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

The most troubled situation in Alexander Bublik’s life occurred after his most successful career.

In a 2020 interview, the 27-year-old stated that he hated tennis “with all my heart” and has always had a complicated relationship with it.

His coach suggested a new strategy after losing eight of his first ten matches in 2025 and falling further down the rankings.

It was least bit unconventional. However, it has been a success to make the switch to less exercise and visit Las Vegas.

Bublik will look to make his first Grand Slam semi-final on Wednesday as he looks to extend Jannik Sinner’s incredible, unanticipated run to the French Open.

Just two weeks after he declared his end, he has already upset top-10 players Jack Draper and Alex de Minaur.

“A trip to Vegas was suggested by my coach.” He said, “We’re just going to be out of tennis, [out] of the conversation if you continue to play this,” Bublik said.

“I said, OK, if it goes well, it goes well,” I replied. If not, tennis, I appreciate it.

Recover from the “disgraceful” low.

After falling to the ground in joyous disbelief following his fourth-round victory over Draper, Bublik stood with hands on his hips and covered his face in red clay. Bublik applauded the crowd’s approbation.

He declared to the audience, “Sometimes in life, there’s only one chance,” with tears on their faces. That was the feeling I couldn’t let go of.

It’s the best time of my life to be standing here.

Alexander Bublik celebrates after winning his French Open fourth-round match against Jack DraperImages courtesy of Getty

Bublik, who is currently ranked 62nd, will make a comeback to the top 50 after only three months of relegation from the global ranking.

It feels repulsive to me to tell my coach, “I want to quit tennis because I can’t be 80 in the world.” I detested it, Bublik told TNT Sports.

I was unable to cry. I’ll always cry if I have room.

The “Hangover-style” Vegas reset

Bublik’s trip to Vegas was never intended to be a training camp, even after making a first-round exit at Indian Wells in March.

In reference to the 2009 comedy film, he claimed it was “like a Hangover thing Vegas.”

Bublik, who has received criticism for his on-court behavior and racquet smashing, claimed that “my fall was not related to my lack of attitude and practising.”

“I just sat there waiting for the results,” I said. I reached the point of thinking, “OK, why are you sacrificing so much?” What is the purpose?

“In Vegas, it was a good three days. I let it out completely.

Alexander Bublik sits with his hand on his head after beating Jack DraperImages courtesy of Getty

Five hours prior to his first match, Bublik flew from Vegas to Phoenix, Arizona, for a Challenger event.

He advanced to the final, only Joao Fonseca’s gifted junior reject him. He won the title in Turin two months later.

We simply need to be who we are.

Bublik, who has a two-year-old son, has always made it abundantly clear that tennis is not everything.

“Tennis is 50% of my life,” I say. Being a father and being a friend are two things that are important to me, he said.

“I won’t compromise my health,” I said. I won’t endure my injuries.

I’m not going to take the Slam if you tell me I’ll win it but I won’t be able to walk by 40.

Since 1999, Bublik has won two victories over top-10 opponents at Roland Garros, making him the lowest-ranked man in that category.

His 41% win rate before this French Open was his lowest across all surfaces, making it the lowest total of his four ATP Tour titles and 11 finals.

Bublik is, however, crucially enjoying his time on the court, which makes him even more dangerous.

You can see me enjoying a good time on the street in Paris in the evening before a game, Bublik continued.

” I’m social. If I don’t feel [it], I can skip the practice. It seems pretty typical, in my opinion.

“This crazyness that social media has caused us to be the best versions of ourselves,” he said.

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Defence Minister Links Boko Haram Resurgence To Sahel Crisis

The recent resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State is attributed to the organization’s wider strategy to stabilize the Sahel, which includes nations like Nigeria, Mali, Burkinabe, and Niger Republic, according to Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

Following a two-day working visit to key military installations in the state, Badaru made the statement while speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday.

The Buffalo Engineering Technical Services, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) were just a few examples.

The minister claimed that the insurgents are “reviving their vigor to destabilize the Sahel.”

You’ll notice that the armed forces have gained momentum in the past week or two by attacking and eliminating them, and that we are doing a lot to stop them. The number of attacks on soldiers’ camps has been cut to the absolute minimum.

Read more about the NAF’s airstrikes that neutralize 20 terrorists in Zamfara.

He assured me that the Federal Government was working tirelessly to address the North-East and North-Central regions’ growing security threats.

Badaru explained that the conflict was primarily communal and was brought on by repeated clashes between farmers and herders as they grew out of the violence in Benue State.

He believes that the situation calls for a largely non-kinetic approach.

By engaging communities and ensuring herders stay within designated grazing areas, “We are working on resolving these conflicts.” He claimed that we are making progress in preventing further violence while also providing security.

The minister acknowledged that despite seeing significant gains in the North-West’s fight against banditry, other areas continued to experience attacks, which reflected the country’s evolving level of insecurity.

“Boko Haram’s resurgence aligns with what is happening in the Sahel,” according to Borno State, which is particularly prevalent in the North-East. You’ll see that attacks have increased throughout the region if you are closely following the developments in Niger, Burkinabe, and Mali.

The troops are doing fantastically well, they say. We are addressing the new threat. By God’s special grace and your prayers, “we will overcome it,” he continued. Normalcy will return.

The minister also praised the Kaduna State Government’s and the armed forces’ coordinated efforts to reinstaurinate harmony in Birnin Gwari and other troubled areas of the state.

He declared that traffic is now unimpeded and that the local government area’s markets have reopened, and traffic is now flowing freely in and out of it.

Badaru praised the speed at which Nigeria’s military installations are advance in R&amp, D, and praised ongoing efforts to become self-sufficient with locally produced military equipment.

The institutions are doing a fantastic job. They are conducting thorough research in accordance with the President’s recommendation, which includes the platforms and tools required for our armed forces, in order for us to eventually become self-sufficient in our military needs.

One of the biggest milestones was cited as being responsible for maintaining and maintaining Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

The majority of MRAP damage is being repaired here. In terms of maintenance, innovation, and development, we have seen commendable work. He praised the new Buffalo MRAPs and other equipment as being truly impressive.

Badaru reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving officer education at the NDA during the military training.

US factory orders slump in April as spending on tariff anticipation fades

In April, orders from American factories decreased after a rise in March, when businesses began making purchases in anticipation of tariffs.

According to Census Bureau data released on Tuesday, new orders for US manufactured goods decreased by 3.7 percent each month, which is worse than economists had anticipated.

A 3.1 percent decline was anticipated by Reuters news agency polled economists. Dow Jones predicted a decline of 3.3 percent. Factory orders increased by 2 percent annually, though.

The increase in April’s report is in stark contrast to the increase of 3.4% in March, which had the highest increase for five consecutive months.

President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs have put pressure on manufacturing, which accounts for 10.2% of the US economy. Trump sees the tariffs as a way to raise money to make up for his previously announced tax cuts and to revive a long-declining industrial base, which economists claimed was impossible in the short term due to labor shortages and other structural issues.

hardest-hit areas

Orders in the transportation sector decreased by 17.1%, primarily due to the decline in commercial aircraft. In April, aircraft orders decreased by 51.5%. Orders for parts for cars, trucks, and trailers decreased by 0.7%.

Manufacturing of electrical equipment, appliances, and components decreased by 0.3%. However, the percentage of manufacturing computers and other electronic goods increased.

Orders for machinery increased by 0.6%. Orders decreased 0.5%, matching March’s decline in non-transportation goods, excluding transportation, which was the source of the increase in March orders.

Additionally, according to the government, orders for non-defense capital goods, excluding aircraft, decreased by 1.5% in April from the government’s estimate of 1.3% last month, compared to orders that were expected to decline.

Shipments of these so-called “core capital goods” decreased by $ 1.8 billion, or a wholly unreported 0.1%.