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Gun Fails To Discharge As Man Shoots At Pastor During Church Service

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A man has been arrested after he attempted to shoot the pastor of a church during a service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, US on Sunday. But his gun refused to fire.

The 26-year-old man identified as Bernard J. Polite wanted to gun down the pastor, saying, “God told me to do it”.

The incident happened when the Sunday service was ongoing, plunging the congregation into pandemonium as the service was being live-streamed.

‘I ducked’

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According to the police press release, Polite of Braddock entered the church just after 1 p.m. and walked towards the front while Rev Glenn Germany was delivering a sermon.

The pastor disclosed that Polite smiled at him and they made eye contact just before he pointed the gun at him.

Germany then ducked out of the way as a male congregant tackled Polite, ABC News reports.

Germany and the member of the church then worked together to wrest the gun away from Polite, who was soon subdued and held until state troopers arrived.

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Polite said “God told me to do it” and that he planned to shoot Germany and “wait to be arrested” so he could go to jail and clear his mind, according to court documents.

He faces numerous charges, including aggravated assault and attempted homicide, and was being held Monday without bail at the Allegheny County Jail.

Also, state police said they did not know if Polite has an attorney, and county court records did not list one.

It added that the body of a shot victim was found in a home near the church where Polite had been shortly before going to the church, county police said.

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The county Medical Examiner’s office identified the body Monday as Derek Polite, 56, of North Braddock, but did not say if he was related to Bernard Polite.

Polite was not known at the church, officials said. He wandered over to the church after hearing music coming from there, according to court documents.

‘You can hear the gun click’
Recounting the incident, Germany said, “I am feeling grateful that I woke up this morning and that I am here. It could have gone in the opposite direction. But God has intervened and I am grateful for him.”

“I’m so grateful,” he said. “You know, he shot. You can hear the gun click.”

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The pastor said he saw Polite walk in and smile at him, but assumed he was coming to speak with another member of the church.

“But instead he came right here where I’m standing… and that’s where he just pulled out the gun,” he said. “I’m looking right down the barrel of the gun.”

Polite appeared to suffer from mental illness, Germany said, and told him he heard voices. “The voices were in his head and said ‘go shoot the pastor.’”

Polite is facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide. He was denied bail and is being detained at a jail in Pittsburgh ahead of a preliminary hearing next week.

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Ahead Ondo Poll: IGP Bans Amotekun, Others

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun and Vigilante Corps, among others, from participating in the Ondo governorship election.

No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the election slated for November 16, 2024.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG ordered the deployment of officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit among others.

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He added that aerial patrols would be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.

Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.

“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

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“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”

Adejobi also said the IG vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.

He said, “The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”

Adejobi said the IG stated that only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.

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He said, “Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and by the highest standards of electoral integrity.”

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“SEE Top 5 Countries With Shortest People In The World’

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The global average height, approximately 166.99 centimeters (5 feet 5.7 inches), shows considerable variation across regions, with the shortest people primarily located in Southeast Asia.

In contrast, the Netherlands is home to some of the tallest people in the world, with an average height of 177.07 centimeters (5 feet 9.7 inches)—almost 10 centimeters above the global average. Countries with the shortest average heights are mostly found in Southeast Asia and parts of Central and South America, due to a combination of various factors

Below are the top five countries with the shortest average heights:

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Timor Leste: 156.42 cm (5 feet 1.6 inches)
The world’s shortest average height is found in Timor Leste (East Timor), where the average height is estimated at 156.42 cm (5 feet 1.6 inches), which is mainly attributed to genetic factors that affect growth from childhood. The typical Timorese lady is approximately 151.15 cm (4 feet 11.5 inches), and the average Timorese male is approximately 159.79 cm (5 feet 2.9 inches).

Guatemala: 157.64 cm (5 feet 2 inches)
Guatemala has one of the lowest average heights in the world with the shortest people found therein. With an overall average height of roughly 157.64 cm (5 feet 2 inches). Women in this region have an average of about 149.38 cm (4 feet 10.8 inches), and men average about 163.4 cm (5 feet 4.3 inches). The reason for this is attributed to genetic factors that mostly influence indigenous cultures.

Laos: 157.94 cm (5 feet 2.2 inches)
In the Southeast Asian country, Laos, the average height is 157.94 cm (5 feet 2.2 inches), with women around 151.26 cm (4 feet 11.6 inches) tall, while males are about 160.51 cm (5 feet 3.2 inches). This is attributed to socioeconomic variables that impact diet health and hereditary factors.

Nepal: 158.38 cm (5 feet 2.4 inches)
Nepal is one of the nations with the smallest populations in the world with the average adult height in Nepal is around 158.38 cm (5 feet 2.4 inches), with women standing at 150.86 cm (4 feet 11.4 inches) and males standing at 162.31 cm (5 feet 3.9 inches). This is due to a mix of genetic and socioeconomic factors, especially those related to healthcare and nutrition.

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Bangladesh: 158.73 cm (5 feet 2.5 inches)
Bangladesh’s average height is 158.73 cm (5 feet 2.5 inches), with women typically around 150.78 cm (4 feet 11.4 inches) tall, while men are typically 163.8 cm (5 feet 4.5 inches) ranking it among the lowest in the world.

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PDP Official: ‘Atiku Believes Our Ticket Is His Birthright , But We’re More Cautious Now

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

As Nigeria’s primary opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections, concerns are emerging regarding the leadership style of Atiku Abubakar, who has long been viewed as the party’s key figure in opposition politics.

Several party stakeholders have expressed reservations about his ability to effectively lead the opposition, particularly in light of his personal ambitions.

Some party insiders argue that Atiku’s leadership as the head of the opposition has been hindered by his overwhelming presidential aspirations, which they believe have compromised his focus and commitment to the party’s broader goals. These sources contend that Atiku’s actions and decisions often prioritize his ambitions over the collective interests of the PDP, which has led to disillusionment among certain party members.

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A prominent PDP stakeholder, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared their concerns with Daily Independent, stating that Atiku’s financial involvement in the party’s activities has been lacking for an extended period. “For quite some time now, Atiku has not made any meaningful financial contribution to the party’s operations,” the source revealed. This lack of support, according to the insider, makes it challenging for Atiku to effectively fulfill the critical role of opposition leader.

The stakeholder pointed out that, despite this lack of tangible commitment, Atiku continues to seek the party’s presidential ticket, believing that his previous status and influence would guarantee his nomination. “When was the last time Atiku contributed anything of substance to the party?” the source asked, noting that his continued presidential ambitions seemed out of touch with the current state of the party. “He seems to think that anytime he decides to step forward, the party will automatically hand him the ticket. But the party is wiser now and will not just hand him the nomination without considering other factors,” the source added.

These sentiments reflect a growing sense of frustration within the PDP, where many members feel that the party needs fresh leadership and a more strategic approach if it is to regain its political relevance and challenge the ruling party in the next elections. The shift in party dynamics suggests that, going forward, Atiku’s ability to lead the opposition and secure the PDP’s presidential ticket may face significant challenges unless he can regain the trust and support of the party’s key stakeholders.

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