The blast happened at the Kampanin Zurak site in the Bashar district, striking early in the morning between 7:30 and 8:00 am. The miners were deep underground when the explosion occurred, making rescue efforts incredibly difficult.

One miner from a nearby pit described the chaos: “People were inside the mining pits when suddenly the gas exploded. We did everything we could to rescue them, but sadly, 38 didn’t make it.”

The tragedy was likely caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, turning what should have been a routine workday into a devastating loss.

Kampanin Zurak is an old mining settlement in the Wase district, and the site is run by a local company. Plateau state has a long history of mining, with its capital Jos once famous as the Tin City, though activity has declined in recent years.

This isn’t the first time such accidents have struck Nigerian miners. Just last September, at least 18 people died in Zamfara state when a boulder collapsed on an illegal mine during heavy rains.

Authorities have pointed to illegal mining as a factor fueling bandit violence, with criminal groups extorting protection money from miners.

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This deployment follows recent airstrikes authorized by President Donald Trump, targeting what were described as Islamic State positions. Just last week, the U.S. military acknowledged a small team was already in Nigeria, but this marks the first public confirmation of ground forces since air operations began on Christmas Day.

The new troops will join a limited number of American personnel who have been collaborating with Nigerian soldiers on counterterrorism efforts. Details on the exact timeline and locations remain under wraps, as military officials continue to coordinate the mission.

Tensions have been rising, with the U.S. expressing concerns that Nigerian authorities haven’t done enough to safeguard Christian communities in the northwest from militant attacks. Nigerian leaders have pushed back, insisting their operations target armed groups that endanger people of all faiths, not specific religious communities.

Nigeria has been grappling with violence from groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province for over 17 years. Attacks on civilians and military targets have intensified recently, particularly in the northwest, turning everyday life into a constant struggle for many.

With a population of more than 230 million, Nigeria is a diverse nation where Christians mostly live in the south and Muslims in the north. This religious and geographic divide often complicates efforts to address security challenges.

As both countries work together, the hope is that this training will help Nigerian forces turn the tide against these persistent threats and bring some stability to affected communities.

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Somalia has entered into a military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking another step in Mogadishu’s efforts to bolster alliances in the face of escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.

The memorandum was signed by Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz during a meeting in Riyadh. The pact is designed to enhance defense and military collaboration, covering shared interests that align with both nations’ strategic goals.

Details of the agreement remain limited, but it follows a similar defense accord Somalia reached with Qatar last month, which emphasized military training, knowledge sharing, capability building, and regional security enhancements.

These diplomatic moves come against the backdrop of increased regional friction, particularly after Israel’s unprecedented recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somali officials have expressed concerns over potential Israeli military presence in the breakaway region, viewing it as a threat to stability and vowing to oppose any such developments.

Somalia has stated it will not permit foreign bases that could endanger its sovereignty or neighboring countries, promising to defend against perceived intrusions.

In related developments, Somalia recently terminated all pacts with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf nation of actions that compromise its unity and independence. This decision aligns with reports of UAE involvement in facilitating Israel’s engagement with Somaliland.

The UAE, which has maintained significant economic and security links in the area, including port operations, has faced criticism amid broader regional disputes, including tensions with Saudi Arabia over issues in Yemen and Sudan.

Saudi Arabia has condemned foreign meddling in Sudan, highlighting the influx of weapons and fighters prolonging conflict there, without specifying involved parties.

These alliances underscore Somalia’s push for stronger partnerships to safeguard its interests amid complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.

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Ifunanya, a 26-year-old soprano who rose to fame on a local singing competition a few years back, knew she needed antivenom fast. She quickly tied a rope around her arm as a tourniquet to slow the venom’s spread, though experts now warn against this because it can block blood flow, damage tissues, and even raise the risk of losing a limb. Instead, the advice is to stay calm, keep the bitten area still, and rush to medical help.

But panic set in when she reached the first hospital and found no antivenom available, forcing her to head to another. At Abuja’s Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, she was put on a drip after the tourniquet was removed. Her condition worsened quickly, she struggled to speak and breathe. Friends and family scrambled to find more antivenom, racing to pharmacies since the hospital didn’t have enough on hand.

Polyvalent antivenom, which works against bites from various snakes, costs between 45,000 and 80,000 naira per vial, and the dose depends on the bite’s severity and the snake type. Despite their efforts, it was too late; Ifunanya passed away before they could get what she needed.

Her father, Christopher, was devastated, feeling the hospital could have done more. He questioned why they removed the tourniquet without immediate treatment ready, saying he’d rather she lost a hand than her life. Ifunanya’s story has shaken people across Nigeria, where snakebites are often seen as a rural threat, not something that hits in upscale urban areas like hers. Two snakes were later found in her apartment, one identified as a highly venomous forest cobra.

Nigeria sees thousands of snakebites each year, many fatal due to antivenom shortages—it’s hard to store because it needs refrigeration, and power outages are common in some areas. Stories like this are all too familiar: a man from Gombe survived a bite as a teen but lost his sister years later when antivenom couldn’t be sourced in time. Another from Kaduna turned to a traditional healer after hospitals failed him, surviving thanks to a herbal remedy from plant bark, though experts say such treatments aren’t reliable against deadly venoms.

The widespread reliance on traditional healers means many deaths go unreported, hiding the full scale of the crisis. In response to Ifunanya’s death, calls have grown for better antivenom access nationwide, though no firm timelines have been set. Experts urge governments to prioritize snakebite care in health plans, and recent research hints at future breakthroughs, like repurposing blood thinners as affordable antidotes.

Christopher remembered his daughter as a gentle, gifted soul who brought joy through her singing from a young age. She had been planning her first solo concert this year, a dream cut short by this preventable tragedy.

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Nearly four months after a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US, most people are still crammed into temporary shelters, with barely any money coming in, and constantly scrambling for basic things like food and water.

On a recent Friday in the Muwasi tent camp in southern Gaza, a crowd gathered with their plastic bottles and jerrycans, waiting to fill up on drinking water.

They often have to trek long distances daily to get clean water, then carefully portion it out until the next delivery truck shows up.

“It takes three to four hours to get 100 liters of water. The struggle for water is incredibly tough,” said Mohamed Abu Rabie, who was forced out of Rafah.

As kids and grown-ups line up patiently for their turn, he expressed hope that water trucks could be stationed closer to their tents.

Many folks perched on their jerrycans for a quick rest before hauling the heavy loads back through the exhausting walk to their shelters.

“Before the war, Muwasi was just desert land. It lacked any essentials,” said Saddam Naji, who walked over two kilometers for water. “There’s no way to get around easily. We’re worn out.”

In other parts of Muwasi, people swarm around a makeshift charity kitchen, clutching pots and plastic bags, desperate for a bit of rice.

While a few shops and markets have popped up with limited stock, most can’t afford to buy anything.

Tamara al-Masry, displaced from Beit Hanoun, described how bad things are.

“They can’t afford it. They come to the charity kitchens, and there’s famine. There’s food, but people can’t buy it. There’s no income. I have no income,” she said.

Even with the ceasefire in place, only tiny amounts of aid are making it into Gaza, and with occasional strikes still happening, everyone’s on edge that full-scale fighting could erupt again.

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The small country in the Great Lakes region is facing more heat from around the world for backing the M23 rebel group. Last year, M23 took control of large areas in eastern Congo.

A peace agreement between Rwanda and Congo, put together with help from former US President Donald Trump, got signed in Washington not long ago. But just days after, M23 captured another key city, Uvira. There was strong agreement from both sides in a US congressional group recently to push for more sanctions on Rwanda.

At an event in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, Kagame stressed the importance of standing on their own.

He talked about committing to self-reliance so that Rwanda’s future doesn’t hinge on chance or the kindness of others who might help one day and pull back the next.

Self-reliance is our top goal, he emphasized.

Rwanda says it’s only in eastern Congo to defend against a militia made up of leftovers from the groups behind the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. They deny any direct military action. Kagame seemed to hint at some involvement in Congo.

When people ask if you’re in Congo, if you say no, then the steps you took for defense get ignored. And if you say yes, that turns into the biggest issue everyone focuses on.

For the first time, Rwanda admitted to working directly on security with M23 and its political group, the Alliance Fleuve Congo.

This coordination is to stop another cross-border threat like in the late 1990s that could put Rwanda at risk.

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The bombings, which began on December 25, 2025, have sparked mixed reactions nationwide. While some Nigerians see the strikes as long overdue action against violent extremists, others worry about the broader implications for national sovereignty, religious harmony, and long-term security.

The military action is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks accused of carrying out deadly attacks and mass killings over the past decade. Thousands of lives have been lost, communities displaced, and entire regions destabilised by insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism.

The US president described the strikes as forceful and precise, warning that further action would be taken if attacks on Christian communities continued. According to US officials, the operation targeted terrorist elements and was coordinated with Nigerian authorities.

The situation has placed Nigeria at the centre of growing international attention, with global leaders weighing in on the violence and calling for an end to attacks on civilians. Israel also joined calls condemning the killings, adding to the international pressure surrounding Nigeria’s security crisis.

Nigeria’s government confirmed that the airstrikes were part of a broader security partnership with international allies. Officials stressed that the collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and operations carried out in line with international law and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Authorities emphasised that the primary goal of all counter-terrorism efforts remains the protection of civilian lives, national unity, and the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. The government reiterated that terrorism, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, contradicts Nigeria’s values and threatens global peace.

Experts and analysts, however, remain divided. Some argue that foreign military intervention sends a strong message to terrorists and their sponsors, showing that the international community will no longer look away. Others warn that airstrikes alone cannot solve deeply rooted problems such as poor governance, poverty, exclusion, and weak institutions.

Several security and political analysts cautioned that bombing campaigns risk being interpreted as religiously motivated, potentially inflaming tensions in an already fragile country. They argue that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive governance, economic development, and social justice, rather than military force alone.

Retired diplomats and security experts described the strikes as both an opportunity and a risk. While successful operations could weaken terror groups and improve security, failure or missteps could plunge the country into deeper instability.

International law experts also noted that terrorism is now treated as a global threat that often overrides traditional boundaries of sovereignty, arguing that Nigeria’s security is tied to regional and global stability.

Meanwhile, US defence officials warned that additional strikes are possible, describing the Christmas Day operation as only the beginning. Nigerian authorities confirmed that intelligence cooperation played a key role in the operation and described the action as a joint effort to combat terrorism and protect civilians.

Not everyone agrees with the approach. A prominent Islamic cleric strongly criticised the involvement of foreign forces, warning that continued cooperation with the US could turn Nigeria into a battleground for global power struggles. He urged the government to seek security partnerships with more neutral countries and cautioned that foreign intervention could deepen religious divisions and undermine sovereignty.

The Defence Headquarters later confirmed the airstrikes, stating that they were carried out with federal approval and based on credible intelligence. Military officials said the operation was carefully planned to weaken terrorist capabilities while minimising harm to civilians.

Several retired military officers welcomed the strikes, describing them as a positive step in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. They stressed, however, that operations must remain precise and focused on criminals and their sponsors, not innocent citizens.

US lawmakers also praised the strikes, calling them a decisive move to halt the killing of Christians and restore security in affected communities. They described the operation as a first step toward ending years of bloodshed and instability.

As Nigeria watches events unfold, the airstrikes have opened a new chapter in the country’s long-running battle with terrorism — one filled with both hope for improved security and fear of unintended consequences.

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According to him, a US manned ISR aircraft flew over ISWAP-controlled areas in the southwestern part of Lake Chad, Borno State, on Saturday. He said the aircraft took off from Accra, Ghana, before entering Nigerian airspace and later returned the same route.

Philip stated earlier that the US Department of War had started reconnaissance flights over western Nigeria from its base in Ghana, despite no public announcement by the Nigerian government. He suggested that undisclosed agreements may have been signed behind closed doors.

He added that the alleged deal may allow the US to conduct unmanned airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria, though only UAVs — not fighter jets or bombers — would be permitted. He said US forces would likely support Nigeria by filling intelligence and surveillance gaps using both manned and unmanned aircraft, possibly operating from the Kainji Air Base in Niger State.

On Sunday, Philip claimed that the same US ISR aircraft returned for the third consecutive day to monitor ISWAP’s “Mantiqah Krinwa” area in Borno State.

His claims have sparked mixed reactions. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad criticised the disclosures, accusing the expert of revealing sensitive military information that could benefit ISWAP.

The allegations come amid tense relations between Nigeria and the US following past disagreements over terrorism-related assessments and warnings. A recent high-level meeting between Nigerian officials and US defence leaders focused on addressing violence against Christians and strengthening cooperation against jihadist groups in West Africa.

Despite the growing online discussion, neither the Nigerian government nor the United States has issued any official statement confirming or denying the presence of US reconnaissance or military operations on Nigerian soil.

Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to confront widespread insecurity, including kidnappings, killings, and banditry, leaving many citizens fearful and frustrated.

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Justina, a 300-level Biochemistry student, was killed on October 20, 2023, inside Okoligwe’s apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The court heard that he attempted to dispose of her remains before he was caught.

In delivering judgment, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the act was deliberate and carefully executed. The judge described the conduct as intentional and calculated, leaving no ambiguity in the evidence presented.

The court ordered that Okoligwe be hanged by the neck until confirmed dead.

Outside the courtroom, prosecuting counsel Charles Mbaba welcomed the ruling, saying it brought a measure of justice for Justina and would serve as a warning to young people who may be tempted to engage in harmful behaviour.

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The governor, represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, shared these figures during the North-Central Zonal Public Hearing of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the National Security Summit in Jos. He explained that many of the attacks were not random but coordinated by groups driven by economic, political, territorial, and religious motives.

Mutfwang expressed concern that criminal networks are exploiting mining sites in Plateau, using proceeds from illegal mining to purchase arms and drugs despite government clampdowns. He lamented the scale of displacement, land grabbing, and the destruction of farmlands—issues that have eroded cultural heritage and weakened local economies.

He questioned whether governments at all levels have truly fulfilled their constitutional duty to protect citizens, noting that security and welfare remain the primary purpose of leadership. Calling for unity, he urged Nigerians to stop comparing casualty figures along ethnic or religious lines and instead work together to confront the crisis.

The summit brought together lawmakers, security experts, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and community leaders to discuss the most urgent threats facing the North-Central region. Leading the delegation, Senator Abba Moro said insecurity in the region stems from multiple drivers, including economic hardship, porous borders, youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and longstanding grievances.

He stressed that insights gathered from the hearing will guide legislative actions, shape budgets, and inform policies that strengthen national security.

The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) presented detailed accounts of repeated attacks in communities such as Irigwe, Mupun, Mwaghavul, and Bokkos. They called for protection of indigenous land rights, mutual respect between settlers and host communities, and full respect for religious freedom.

Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam urged constitutional restructuring of Nigeria’s security system to include national, state, local government, and community policing. He also advocated a national resettlement programme to support the safe return of internally displaced persons and to criminalise land grabbing.

The summit, chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, closed with renewed hope that collective contributions will lead to long-term solutions for Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.

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