Seven-year-old Toulin Al-Hindi faces the threat of sniper fire each day to reach her tented school in northern Gaza, near the Israeli-held “yellow line.” Despite the dangers of life in a war zone, she is determined to study, along with hundreds of other students.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated a seven-member peace and reconciliation committee to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The apex socio-political body of the South-South region issued a two-week ultimatum to the panel to broker a truce.
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Channels Television reports that the committee is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, with Senator Obende Domingo as Vice Chairman.
Other members include former Minister of Housing Chief Essien Nduese, retired Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, retired DSS Director Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Cross River State Attorney-General Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, and PANDEF Deputy National Secretary Prince Godwin Okotie as Secretary.
PANDEF’s National Chairman, Godknows Igali, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Monday, said that the panel’s mandate was to de-escalate tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, restore stability, and facilitate dialogue between the executive and legislature.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Confirms Impeachment Notices Served To Gov Fubara, Deputy
He also called on both Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—both PANDEF members—to respect the outcome of the reconciliation process.
The committee’s terms of reference include identifying principal actors in the crisis, engaging key stakeholders such as former governors, traditional rulers, and political leaders, and submitting a comprehensive report with recommendations to PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and the President within 14 days.
In his acceptance speech, Agabi described the assignment as a solemn responsibility and urged parties involved to embrace humility, forgiveness, and dialogue.
He warned that the continuation of the crisis could undermine the welfare of Rivers residents and the nation’s stability.
King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, and former governors and eminent leaders, including Obong Victor Attah, were present at the inauguration.
Diete-Spiff called on both Wike and Fubara to embrace peace, while Attah emphasised the need for the committee to remain neutral and prioritize the welfare of Rivers people above individual interests.
The oil-rich state has been embroiled in a fresh crisis following a faceoff between the Fubara and the lawmakers that are loyal to Wike.
Last Thursday, the lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, formally commenced impeachment proceedings against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, outlining multiple allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The allegations include extra-budgetary spending of over ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor for allegedly conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.
Amaewhule announced that the notices would be served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with the Constitution.
Olivia Attwood has swiftly become one of the darlings of British TV, and as the former Love Island star – who is married to footballer Bradley Dack, opens up about the latest series of her eye-opening ITV franchise Getting Filthy Rich, we are minded of why.
The 34-year-old – funny, honest and ready to tell it like it is, catches up with us on Zoom (joking that with glasses and no make-up she looks like ‘the old man from Up’), to give us the lowdown on the latest season, which sees her explore everything from OnlyFans to foot fetishes, and have candid chats with Kerry Katona and Katie Price.
As well as some jaw-dropping moments – including one fetish which turns the Loose Women panellist’s stomach, she reveals what stunned her most – and why hubby Brad and she are ‘pretty laid back’….
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This is series four now and I was thinking, are we going to have enough to bring people back? Will it reveal enough new things? We don’t want to tread over old ground. My gosh, I thought I couldn’t be shocked any more, as I’ve seen so much – but I was speechless so many times. I think this is the most shocking series to date.
We go out to Las Vegas in one of my favourite episodes and do a real deep dive into the sex industry. We cover areas we’ve covered before like escorts, strippers, porn stars, but focusing this time on that thriving economy in Vegas. It’s fun, kitsch and glam, but so interesting.
We do a ‘feet episode’ which I was so reluctant to do – I hate feet! When I used to talk to my followers about what they’d like they’d all say, ‘Talk about the feet! What can people make?!’ So we did. I had 6 weeks of people getting their shoes off in front of me, which was a challenge.
We meet a guy in the feet episode that has a fetish for being kicked in the balls. So, I watch him getting kicked in the balls in real time, two metres away. It made the cut, but it’s obviously shot very artistically! We still show a lot though.
We also meet a guy who was kicked out of the army for creating OnlyFans content, who’s selling his really dirty socks for crazy money. When he had them off his feet, the whole room stank. And somebody will buy them – for hundreds of pounds. It’s hard to get your head around but honestly, there are no limits to what people are into!
To this day, when I come home or I’m texting Brad and he’s like, ‘what are you up to’? and I reply, ‘Just watching this guy get kicked in the testicles’ he still goes, ‘whatever’. I’m like, ‘Why would I lie?!’ He always thinks I’m pulling his leg or exaggerating. Then when he sees the rough cuts, he finally believes it.
We do, and hearing their side of the story firsthand, their motivations, what they’re earning – they were so candid, it was such a privilege. If you look at Kerry and Katie, Kate was a Playboy bunny – Kerry was dancing in a strip club before she was in Atomic Kitten – they have that background in adult entertainment and it’s more comfortable and natural, whereas Lauren is a self-proclaimed prude. She doesn’t consider herself an overly-sexualised character. I think she has more internal struggle with the judgement that comes with it.
Yes, I think as women we are so judged anyway, regardless of what our choices are. And when you become a mother, there’s a whole other layer to that. But interestingly, what all those celebs have in common is their motivation – they all want to make money for a better life for their kids.
We have a lot of fun! I never laugh at anyone’s expense, but at any slightly uncomfortable moments – say there’s two people having sexy and I have the whole crew with me, I don’t want to make eye contact with one of my producers! I want to be dignified and professional.
In Vegas, I was making the crew laugh. One night we went to a strip club and I said, I’m going to go full investigative journalist – I’m going to drink, I’m going to spend money and ingratiate myself into the true Vegas culture… “ They were like ‘Oh you don’t have to do that!” and I was like, ‘Oh, no, I want to – as a true journalist would…”
I thought, Brad, you’re either a genius as you’ve really clever side-stepped this and pretended you don’t fully understand what OnlyFans is – or there’s a conversation we need to have, that we should have had before we got married, as this is slightly concerning!
Knowing Brad, he was only thinking about who he’d like to have unparalleled access to. I don’t think he was thinking nudes. We’re quite relaxed as a couple, though. If there’s a film with Sydney Sweeney in it, he’s always down for watching it – and I know it’s not because of the plot!
Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich, Sunday at 10pm on ITV2 and ITVX
The images travelled fast. Kylian Mbappe gesturing for his team-mates to leave the pitch. Xabi Alonso asking him to stay. Mbappe insisting. And Xabi, eventually, turning away and doing as his star demanded. No guard of honour for Barcelona after their Spanish Super Cup win on Sunday.
For many, it looked like a lack of sporting grace, something never associated with Xabi Alonso. It also suggested something else entirely, that the team, not the manager, was in charge.
And after a final that had been tight, decided by a deflection, you could almost imagine Xabi thinking: enough.
But this was not a resignation. And it was not planned. Xabi Alonso did not expect to be leaving as Real Madrid boss – just seven months after being appointed. Not yet anyway.
After many disagreements with their manager about tactics and approach over the last few months, at around 4.30pm Spanish time on Monday, the board met with one subject on the table – the departure of Xabi Alonso.
The explanations offered to him and his entourage were, at best, ambiguous.
‘He had not been able to implement the football that had made him so successful at Bayer Leverkusen’. ‘The team’s physical condition was not ideal’. ‘Players had not improved’. ‘They did not appear to be playing for him’.
Defeats were listed: Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final, Atletico Madrid in La Liga (5–2), among others.
And yet Real Madrid are in the top eight in the Champions League league phase, the competition that defines them.
They are through to the next round of the Copa del Rey and are four points behind Barcelona at the halfway point of La Liga, having beaten the Catalans when they met in October. Crisis?
More than a crisis, it was confirmation that Florentino Perez never truly believed in his manager.
Xabi Alonso was suggested to him and agreed to as the club’s new boss, but without conviction. At his previous club Bayer Leverkusen, not everyone bought into Xabi from day one either.
Results arrived, and the squad turned towards him. At Madrid, even with decent results, that never happened. From the start, Xabi felt alone.
Beginning a managerial career at Real Madrid is the hardest challenge in football. Nobody says no to Madrid, not even those who understand how difficult it is to transform a culture built on individual brilliance into a modern collective where everyone presses and everyone defends.
A manager is strongest when he arrives, but Madrid dented his authority from the beginning.
He wanted to start his tenure after the Club World Cup, not before it. The tournament was played after a long season, with players thinking about holidays and others knowing they would not be there the following year. He was not even allowed to discuss it.
The signings did little to help: Franco Mastantuono, sold by parts of the media as the anti-Lamine Yamal, made no real impact.
Vinicius Junior’s crisis marked the beginning of the end, with his form dipping and blaming the new manager, he then visibly protested his substitution in El Clasico, then apologising to everyone except the manager.
Contract talks were paused to see what happened with Xabi.
Injuries ravaged the defence, while the club ignored his request for a midfielder (he wanted Martin Zubimendi).
There were no strong personalities to bind the group together. Even Federico Valverde seemed more concerned with where he played than with the collective.
Mbappe chased records, not always what he needed to recover from his latest injury, playing to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s 59 goals in a calendar year.
Xabi never managed to convince the players his way was the right way. And without that, he could not impose the high press, the tempo, the positional football that defined his Leverkusen side.
So what now?
He must decide whether rest is what is coming next for him. Those that know him think that leaving, even though not wanted, will be a bit of a relief. It simply did not work.
But the message from Europe’s biggest clubs is clear, many would be happy to have him next season, if circumstances allow.
Real Madrid, once again, are viewed as outliers – a club that operates differently, restricts its manager, and even quietly prepares the ground for a dismissal months before it happens, aided by loyal media.
Next in line is Alvaro Arbeloa, Castilla coach. A club man. But if a legend like Xabi Alonso could not change the culture, Arbeloa faces an almost impossible task.
If this season ends without trophies, Europe’s elite will feel confirmed in their belief. If, by one of football’s familiar contradictions, Real Madrid end up lifting silverware, we will reach the same conclusion we always do.
Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the guitarist from the rock band Black Midi, has died aged 26. A heartbreaking statement from Matt’s father Tony was posted on the Instagram page of their label, Rough Trade Records, this afternoon.
It read: “It is with deep sadness that we as a family regret to inform you that Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin has died after a long battle with his mental health. A talented musician and a kind, loving man finally succumbed; despite all efforts. Matt was 26 years old.
He concluded: “He will always be loved. Please take a moment to check in with your loved ones so we can stop this happening to our young men.”
A statement from the label added: “Rough Trade Records would like to extend deepest sympathy to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family who have shared this statement on the tragic passing of founding black midi member Matt – an incredibly talented person who will be truly missed.
“If you are struggling with mental health issues please reach out to your loved ones or one of the range of charities such as Mind, CALM and Samaritans who provide services and someone to talk to in any time of need.”
BBC 6Music’s Mary Anne Hobbs was among those paying tribute in the comments, writing: “I’m so very sad and sorry to hear this tragic news. Rest in peace Matt you beautiful genius.”
Another commented: “Rest in peace Matt. One of the youngest and most groundbreaking musicians of our generation” while a third wrote: “A wonderful person and a wonderful musician, rest well matthew you were so loved.”
Matt was part of Black Midi alongside Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton and drummer Morgan Simpson, all of whom went to the famous BRIT School. The group formed in 2017, playing their first gig at the Brixton Windmill in south London that summer.
Their first single was released the following year and the band’s debut album Schlagenheim followed in 2019. It was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize that year.
Matt left the group 2021, explaining: “I’ve been taking some time off from the band as I have been mentally unwell.” The others added that they were “fully behind our best mate in his recovery” saying: “Can’t wait ’til we can all be + play together again soon.”
Black Midi continued as a trio and released two further albums – Cavalcade and Hell Fire – but took a break in 2024 with the band members taking on solo work.
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested two suspected gun runners during a coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted in Taraba State.
The arrest, which is part of Operation Peace Shield of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), trailed and apprehended a suspected gun runner identified as Mr Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer”, aged 48 years.
The suspect was arrested at Sebos Joint, Mayo Dasa General Area, of Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is actively involved in illegal arms trafficking.
Items recovered from him include one hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, one National Identification Card, one Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, one hand band, and assorted charms.
During further interrogation, the suspect confessed to working with an accomplice identified as “Chmn” from Shomo Gari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Following actionable intelligence obtained from the first arrest, troops apprehended another suspected gun runner identified as James Yangyang, aged 37 years, at Tautre Village, on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
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Investigation further revealed that Christopher Adamu sold an AK-47 rifle to one Mr Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025, confirming the existence of an arms supply network.
Both suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, after which they will be handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and intelligence operatives for their professionalism, vigilance, and synergy in disrupting criminal networks threatening peace and security in Taraba State.
The Commander issued a stern warning to criminals, arms traffickers, and their collaborators, stating that “6 Brigade will not relent in its resolve to rid Taraba State and its environs of illegal arms dealers and all forms of criminal elements.
“Those aiding, abetting, or collaborating with criminals, whether within or outside the state, should desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law. Our troops will continue to dominate the battlespace and decisively deal with anyone found undermining peace and security,” he said.