Connect with us

News

Benin Republic summons Niger diplomat over terrorism allegations

Published

on

The Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat following allegations by Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing the country of backing terrorist activities in West Africa.

The move marks a formal protest against the claims, which Benin has described as baseless and inflammatory.

In a statement issued by Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its X on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari confirmed that the Nigerien chargé d’affaires was summoned to provide clarification on the allegations.

“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” the Beninese foreign ministry said on X, as reported by AFP.

Advertisement

The ministry also sent a letter of protest, rejecting the accusations and emphasising Benin’s commitment to peace and collaboration with its neighbors.

The diplomatic tension stems from a Christmas Day address by Tchiani, in which he accused Benin of serving as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilize Niger.

The accusations come amid ongoing regional challenges following the military coup in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

Relations between Niger and Benin have been strained in recent years, with disputes over oil exports, border closures, and trade.

Advertisement

Despite these challenges, both countries had recently shown signs of reconciliation, including the appointment of new ambassadors.

Benin’s foreign ministry reiterated its dedication to dialogue and fraternal cooperation, warning that baseless accusations could undermine regional stability.

“Benin remains committed to dialogue and to fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the ministry stated.

The allegations have also drawn reactions from other implicated countries, including Nigeria, which was accused of hosting a French military base intended to destabilize Niger.

Advertisement

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the claim as unfounded, asserting that Nigeria would never allow a foreign military base on its soil.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it is open to dialogue with Niger.

News

WATCH maiden edition of Family Lawyer on Podcast

Published

on

The maiden edition of Family Lawyer anchored by seasoned lawyer, Chuma Chinye hit the airwaves today.

The podcast scheduled for every Saturday morning is a delight to watch as Chinye dishes out what he is mainly known for-law.

With well over 35years experience, he has all it takes.

Watch below:

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Gunmen Kill Man In Presence of His Pregnant Wife 2 weeks After Their Wedding

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A 27-year-old man identified as Wilfred Ogochukwu Ifeanyi, was k!lled by gunmen 17 days after his wedding in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that Ifeanyi got married on December 7, 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Iyasei (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Chief Mike Nwaukoni⁩, the young man was brutally attacked by the assailants on the evening of December 24th, 2024 when he arrived home to see his mother.

Advertisement

He was reportedly k!lled in the presence of his mother and pregnant wife, who was also abducted by the perpetrators.

The deceased was laid to rest on December 30.

One Onwuegbuzie Ambrose, who shared the story in a Facebook post on Friday, January 3, 2025, said his wife has been released after a few days in captivity.

“Wilfred Ogochukwu was just three years old when his father Ogochukwu Emenkei passed away twenty four years ago. His mother single handedly raised him and two other siblings,” he wrote.

Advertisement

“On the 7th of December 2024, he got married to his beautiful wife. Like most families, he drove down to Ogwashi-uku in Delta state to see his mom and drive her to attend the church service on 24th night 2024.

“As he was about to leave the house with his mom and wife ,he was reportedly att@cked by unknown gunmen who shot and k1lled him instantly. This was right in the presence of his mother and wife who watched as her son was k1lled. There after, the gunmen abducted his wife and drove off.

“According to the reports, his wife has been released after spending few days with the kidn@pp€rs. She’s now left dev@st@ted losing her husband in such manner.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

SAD! Fire Outbreak At Vegetable Market Kills 8, Injures 15

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

No fewer than eight people have died, and 15 others have been injured following a fire outbreak at a vegetable market in Zhangjiakou City, located in northern China.

The blaze broke out on Saturday morning at around 8:40 am local time at the Liguang market in the Qiaoxi District, northwest of Beijing.

The Qiaoxi District People’s Government confirmed that those injured were promptly transported to hospitals, with their conditions not considered life-threatening. The fire was eventually brought under control by 10 am, and authorities are now investigating its cause.

Advertisement

This incident is part of a broader pattern of deadly fires in China, which are often linked to lax building regulations and inadequate workplace safety measures. State media reported that a fire in Chengdu, a major city in October, hospitalized 24 people suffering from breathing difficulties. Additionally, a fire at a shopping centre in Zigong in July claimed the lives of 16 people.

The ongoing investigation into the cause of the Zhangjiakou market fire aims to prevent further such incidents and address the concerns regarding fire safety standards across the country.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News