“If you have love and if you are rooted in your beliefs, no fear can shake you.” Palestinian peace activist Mohsen Mahdawi recounted his arrest and imprisonment to Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey, explaining how he is able to keep up his work.
At least 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked travellers in Nigeria’s southeastern Imo State, according to Amnesty International.
The human rights NGO reported on Friday that more than 20 commuter vehicles and trucks were set ablaze during a “vicious attack” along the Okigwe-Owerri road the day before.
The attackers are suspected of being members of the banned separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Amnesty said.
“The attack … shows callous disregard for the sanctity of life. The gunmen blocked Okigwe-Owerri highway and areas of Umuna in Onuimo LGA unleashed violence in an utter show of impunity,” Amnesty wrote on X.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and transparently investigate this attack and ensure that the actual perpetrators are brought to justice. International law requires the Nigerian government to promptly investigate unlawful killings to bring perpetrators to justice,” it added.
Amnesty International strongly condemns the vicious attack on travelers yesterday 8 May 2025, along Okigwe-Owerri Road in Imo State, killing at least 30 people and burning over 20 commuter vehicles and trucks.
Imo police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed that the attack took place in the early hours of Thursday, but declined to comment on the death toll.
On Friday, Okoye told the Reuters news agency that one of the assailants had been killed by the police.
According to a police statement, the gunmen, operating in three groups, blocked the highway at 04:00 GMT and shot sporadically.
“A full-scale search and cordon operation is currently underway, with security operatives combing nearby forests and surrounding areas where the suspects are believed to be hiding,” the police said.
Nigeria’s Premium Times also reported that the police commissioner of Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, led a joint tactical team of security operatives to the scene.
According to Danjuma, the joint security team comprised personnel from Nigeria’s army, the police, and the State Security Service.
The IPOB, which the Nigerian government has classed as an outlawed organisation, has been campaigning for the secession of southeastern Nigeria, where the majority of people belong to the Igbo ethnic group.
Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said President Bola Tinubu prioritizes water provision for Abuja’s satellite towns.
Wike, speaking after inspecting Abuja projects on Friday, confirmed his China trip, which began May 1, was to advance a water project with China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group (CGCOC).
He added that the FCTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGCOC, and the trip was a follow up.
He recalled that the Tinubu-led administration had promised to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply, with part of it slated for areas along Airport road, within the second year in office.
He added that, beyond the city water supply, President Tinubu directed that clean water should be provided to Abuja’s satellite towns.
He said: “This is a critical project for Mr President. As I speak to you, Mr President has included part of the funding of the satellite towns in the National Budget, which has been passed.
“We have also included it in our Statutory Budget, which has been laid before the National Assembly.”
Wike said the water project would commence with Bwari, Karu, and parts of Kubwa, noting that the procurement process was already underway at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
He said CGC, the company executing the Greater Abuja Water Supply, would implement the project.
The minister praised President Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration in implementing impactful projects in roads, healthcare, education, and other areas for the benefit of FCT residents.
He explained that, if passed, 85% of the FCT statutory budget would be allocated to completing ongoing projects, while 15% would go into new projects.
The minister noted that, beyond road infrastructure, significant projects were also underway in the health sector.
He said: “So, when we say projects, it does not mean only road infrastructure. Education and healthcare are part of the ongoing projects, particularly in education.
“If you see the number of schools being renovated, you will understand that education has a significant allocation in the budget.”
According to him, the statutory budget allocates about N140 billion to capital projects in the education sector.
“Our intention is not to award new projects but to complete the existing ones so that they will not be abandoned.
Over the years Jacqueline Wilson has brought us some iconic characters – including the famous Tracy Beaker.
Known for being loud and fierce on the surface, Tracy often found herself getting in trouble with grown ups, whether that was for eating a worm, accidentally letting two giant African land snails escape into the Dumping Ground or telling everyone she met to “bog off”. But deep down all Tracy wanted was a home and a family to love, leading to plenty of more emotional moments too, though in true Tracy fashion, she would always inevitably brush any tears off as simply being down to her “hay fever”.
So iconic was the character that it inspired the BBC show The Story of Tracy Beaker which ran from 2002 to 2005 and featured an equally memorable theme tune. In honour of the noughties classic show, here The Mirror takes a closer look at what some of its cast are up to now…
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All fans of Tracy Beaker will know Dani Harmer as being the actress behind the character, having played her throughout all five series. Following the show’s end, Dani has brought the character back to life on numerous occasions, most recently in January when she returned to our screens for one episode of The Dumping Ground.
As well as playing Tracy, Dani, who has opened up on her children’s savage reaction to the show, has appeared in various pantomimes and took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2012 where she finished in fourth place. She also runs The Dani Harmer Academy in Berkshire and recently joined TikTok where she has already amassed a whopping 298,000 followers. Away from acting, Dani signed a record deal in 2008 though told her TikTok followers that they’d never hear her album, joking that it was “better best forgotten”.
No show would be complete without some good old fashioned rivalry and Tracy’s rival came in the form of Justine Littlewood, played by Montanna Thompson. Like Dani, Montanna has reprised her role on multiple occasions, most recently from 2021 to 2023 when she appeared in The Beaker Girls, though she’s appeared in other shows including The Queen’s Nose, Doctors and The Bill.
Montanna is also on TikTok and has gained 32,500 followers where she gives updates from her life as a mum to son Cobey. Commenting on her debut on the platform, one fan wrote: “You haven’t aged one day omg”. Another added: “Justine Littlewood omg you still look the same used to watch you when I was little”.
Back in February she shared a worrying snap of herself in hospital as she revealed she was having “pins put in” her leg, adding that it “hopefully should start getting better now”.
Prior to appearing on Tracy Beaker as careworker Mike Milligan, actor Connor Byrne had already secured roles in the likes of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Inspector Morse and The Bill. In recent years he has returned to our screens for different Tracy Beaker spin-offs, and has appeared on soaps including Emmerdale.
Speaking to Radio Times about his time on the show, he said: “What I cherish was the ethos, the inclusivity, the didactic nature of all the shows. You can’t love all the kids you work with, but many of them stole my heart. None more so than Dani – a wise head on very young shoulders, a funny head in a very serious job, a diligent head amongst the frivolity.”
While Tracy may not have immediately hit it off with her eventual adoptive mum Cam, played by Lisa Coleman, after she set fire to her kitchen, the pair’s relationship endured throughout the show. Throughout her acting career, Lisa has enjoyed roles on high profile shows such as Casualty, French and Saunders and Call The Midwife.
Aside from her acting career, Lisa has completed a psychology degree from the Open University. “I already work as a volunteer occupational therapist in a psychiatric unit,” she told The Independent in 2005. “The work really fascinates me and I am beginning to think of giving up acting and training to be a psychiatric nurse. This degree is a great start to doing that. If I succeed, I’ll be able to see if I was acting the role accurately.”
While Tracy and social worker Elaine ‘the Pain’ notoriously didn’t always get on, Dani has revealed that things couldn’t be more untrue for her relationship with actress Nisha Nayar, explaining that she even keeps a picture of herself and Nisha “by her bed”.
Although the character Elaine ‘the Pain’ may be an iconic part of people’s childhoods up and down the country, Nisha’s acting credits don’t end there. She has appeared in shows including Doctor Who, Law & Order: UK and ITV’s The Bay. On the big screen she starred in the 2023 film Unicorns alongside EasEnders’ Ben Hardy and in the Oscar nominated film In America.
Loveable Duke was the thread that kept the Dumping Ground together as the home’s resident chef and gardener. Prior to joining the children’s show, actor Clive Rowe had already carved out a successful career in the world of acting, having been nominated for an Olivier Award in 1992 thanks to his role in Carousel. Five years later, he eventually won an Olivier for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his role in Guys and Dolls.
Elsewhere on the stage, Clive has appeared in the likes of Sister Act, Kiss Me, Kate and Into the Woods. Meanwhile on the big screen he’s also made a mark and starred in the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast where he played Cuisinier, the castle’s head chef who is turned into a stove.
Louise may have been a shyer character on the show, but she certainly made her mark as Justine’s best friend. Who could forget the time she and Tracy had a huge fight? Since her time on the show, Chelsie George has become a successful content creator and has secured 30,000 followers on Instagram where she documents all things motherhood and pregnancy. She also has her on YouTube channel filled with Tracy Beaker insights.
Chelsie, who became a mum to daughter Goldie in 2023 is currently expecting her second child with husband Iain, who is due in November. In between juggling life as a busy mum and creating content for her followers, Chelsie runs Fit Peach Fitness which provides home workouts.
As one of the older children on the show, Bouncer’s storyline was filled with twists and turns as he navigated the move away from the Dumping Ground before returning later as a chef. Nowadays actor Ben Hanson lives in America where he lives with his wife Kelsey.
Reflecting on his decision to move to the US in a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote: “Just over 18 months ago, I made the decision to up route my life and start a fresh in America. My decision was lead by a prayer that I said one night probably at my lowest point. I asked for a sign of what I should do.”
After dreaming of a voice, in an American accent, telling him how he was on the wrong path, he revealed: “The saying “That is not your path” changed my life, it gave me comfort, it gave me hope but most importantly it gave me the courage to up sticks and move to the states.”
Beside Bouncer at every turn was his beloved brother Lol, played by Ciaran Joyce. Following his stint on the show Ciaran went on to forge a name for himself in the world of acting, with credits including Torchwood, Holby City and Young Dracula. Most recently he appeared in the BBC show Wolf which premiered in July 2023.
Back in August 2023, Ciaran opened up about his experience of sobriety as he celebrated being six years sober. “It’s not easy, but it’s by far the best decision I ever made. Thank you to the sober community for its constant support, understanding and inspiration.”
He added: “I look back at that depressed, frustrated, anxious, confused, angry, functioning alcoholic young man and I’m proud of him. Really f***ing proud. I don’t recognise him anymore but I know I had to walk in his shoes in order to be where I am today.”
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Dragons and Cardiff have signed the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25).
The two regions have finally agreed the five-year deal after initially shaking hands on the proposal back in February.
But Ospreys and Scarlets have yet to agree to the new plan – despite the 8 May deadline set by the WRU – as Welsh rugby threatens to fracture between east and west.
Those two west Wales regions have stalled on signing the new agreement because of concerns of the implications of the WRU’s takeover of Cardiff last month.
The WRU said they welcome the “decisiveness” of Cardiff and Dragons.
“I’m absolutely delighted to confirm the new PRA25 is now agreed for Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.
BBC Sport Wales has learned that with no agreement yet reached with Scarlets or Ospreys, a funding split is possible with Welsh rugby in a two plus two scenario where the clubs in the east receive £6.5m but the two regions in the west remain on the previous terms of £4.5m.
The WRU had told Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons that they were at risk of a two-year notice period being imposed if they did not meet the latest deadline.
The WRU wrote to the three teams after a meeting with them on Tuesday, with the future of professional rugby in Wales facing major change should the deal be left unsigned.
Prior to news of Dragons and Cardiff signing the deal, the Ospreys Supporters Club stated that the three professional clubs were “awaiting a response from the WRU on some key issues”, adding that negotiations were ongoing.
The proposed agreement was meant to form a key component of the WRU’s long-term plan, which it has called the ‘One Wales’ strategy.
BBC Sport Wales learned that if the three independent regions failed to sign, the WRU would consider options that could lead to lasting structural changes in Welsh professional rugby.
One possible outcome could have seen the number of Welsh professional teams reduced, despite chief executive Abi Tierney repeatedly expressing her commitment to retaining all four regions.
The WRU holds the licences for the Welsh sides competing in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European competitions.
The union has the authority to revoke those licences after serving a two-year notice period, though they would be heavily penalised financially if they did not continue to provide four sides for the respective competitions.
The independent clubs had voiced concerns that, under the proposed agreement, there would be no clear limit on the level of investment the WRU could allocate to Cardiff, potentially placing the other teams at a financial disadvantage.
A cardinal who participated in the conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV has said that the atmosphere was “fraternal”. He’s suggested that it lacked the high-stakes drama depicted in the award-winning film Conclave.
The film, which was released last year, imagined the secret meeting of cardinals in Rome as a tense and bureaucratic process with many twists and turns. However, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, described as the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, said that the reality of his first conclave this week was far from the dramatic portrayal on screen.
As reported by PA, whilst speaking to reporters in Italy on Friday, a day after the new Pope’s election, Cardinal Nichols described the experience as “refreshing” and said that he found it difficult to leave. He likened it to a spiritual retreat, where he could be himself at a “profound level”.
He said: “I found it very refreshing and I found it more like going on a spiritual retreat than anything else. There was this sense of here was something of a sacred space and within that space it was possible to, at a very profound level, just be myself.”
Cardinal Nichols suggested that he hadn’t been in a rush to leave. He said: “So actually by the time we were coming to lunch today there was quite a bit of me didn’t want to leave because there was something to be deeply treasured in the fraternity and in the prayerfulness of it.”
In contrast, the film Conclave, based on Robert Harris’ novel of the same name, stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who navigates scheming clerics and external threats to find the best candidate for the papacy. The film also featured Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow among its cast.
The film won four BAFTAs earlier this year including in the Outstanding British Film, Best Film and Editing categories. Writer Peter Straughan, who was also awarded an Oscar for his work, received the Adapted Screenplay award.
Cardinal Nichols, from Liverpool, however shared that the recent real-life conclave didn’t mirror the movie’s portrayal of cardinals lobbying for their preferred papal candidate. As 133 cardinals cast their ballots within the Sistine Chapel, they were sequestered just a stone’s throw away at the Santa Marta guesthouse.
Reflecting on the atmosphere, Cardinal Nichols said: “I went into each meal and just sat down where there was a chair, next to whoever it was. I didn’t get a sense of people trying to gather in clusters or in pressure groups or any of that.”
He continued by saying that he didn’t feel people were “trying to promote themselves” or “block” others. Cardinal Nichols said: “And at no point did I feel there was the slightest bit of rancour or somebody trying to promote themselves or even block somebody else, unlike the film.”
The cardinal added: “I think this was a very, very lovely and congenial and fraternal time together. And I think every cardinal would attest to that, even those who didn’t disagree particularly with the drift of things.”