Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), reportedly slumped outside his office on Tuesday and was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja for medical attention.
His aide, Nweke, who disclosed this in a statement attributed the incident to an untreated knee injury, which caused Maina to lose balance and hit his head on the staircase
“The incident occurred following complications arising from an untreated knee injury, which caused him to lose balance and fall, resulting in his head hitting the staircase,” the statement reads.
“Medical personnel present promptly administered first aid, after which he was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.
“Dr. Maina is currently receiving close medical care and remains under observation.
“Following preliminary medical assessment, one of the attending doctors advised that arrangements be considered for an air ambulance medical evacuation should his condition not stabilise within a short period.
“His family and medical team are closely monitoring his progress. The family appeals to the public for prayers, understanding, and respect for privacy at this critical time.”
Maina was recently released from the Kuje prison where he served jail time following conviction for pension fraud.
In November 2021, a federal high court in Abuja convicted him on charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of over N2 billion.
The United States Congress is set to hold a hearing on allegations of Christian persecution and religious violence in Nigeria, with witnesses expected to testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The hearing, titled “Defending Religious Freedom Around the World,” will be jointly convened on Wednesday by the Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
Among those scheduled to testify are former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, Grace Drexel, the daughter of Pastor Ezra Jin, and Dr Stephen F. Schneck, a former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
In his prepared remarks, Brownback warned that “radical, militant Islam” continues to expand its influence across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond, describing Nigeria and Syria as key areas of concern.
He claimed that “early warning signs of a Muslim-on-Christian war are brewing across Africa,” adding that Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.
Brownback also alleged that Nigeria is receiving increasing support from countries including China, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
In his own submission, Schneck said failing or fragile states often provide fertile ground for the rise of armed groups whether insurgent, ethnic or religious posing serious threats to freedom of religion.
He added that banditry and organised crime also target religious communities in such environments, naming Nigeria, Syria and Sudan as current examples.
Schneck further noted that both Nigeria and Syria are experiencing high levels of insecurity and that their governments have been unable to stop widespread violence against faith-based communities.
He also raised concerns about delays in the release of the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom reports, as well as the lack of updated US designations for Countries of Particular Concern, Special Watch Lists and related classifications.
According to Schneck, Nigeria is currently the only country on the designation list, calling the situation worrying at a time when nations such as China and Iran are accused of increasing repression against religious groups.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians of its readiness for the 2027 general election, despite the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced that the commission has finalized the election timetable and schedule of activities.
Prof Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs.
However, he noted that some items in the schedule might be affected by the delayed passage of the Electoral Act.
He said INEC will rely on the existing Act to guide its activities.
Authorities in Puntland, Somalia, have executed Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, who was convicted of murdering Saabirin Saylaan, a 14-year-old girl who worked as a domestic helper in her home.
Diiriye was executed by firing squad on Tuesday in Galkayo, after a court found her guilty of beating the teenager to death.
The case is considered rare, as it is one of the few instances in which the death penalty has been carried out against a woman in the region.
Saabirin’s death in November sparked outrage in Galkayo, triggering protests and renewed calls for stronger child protection.
Hundreds of women and youths reportedly marched through the city carrying placards demanding justice and accountability.
Officials said the execution was carried out under qisas, an Islamic legal principle that allows the family of a murder victim to demand the death penalty instead of accepting financial compensation.
Puntland authorities said this was the first retaliatory execution of a woman in more than a decade, with the last known case recorded in 2013 when a female member of the militant group al-Shabab was executed alongside others.
Investigations revealed that Saabirin had been orphaned as a baby and was placed with Diiriye’s family by her great-aunt.
Police said she suffered routine abuse during the two months she lived with the family.
Evidence recovered from Diiriye’s phone including audio recordings and videos reportedly documented repeated violence.
A post-mortem examination confirmed multiple injuries and deep stab wounds consistent with prolonged torture.
The incident has intensified calls from activists, elders, and community leaders for improved protection for children and domestic workers across Somalia
Nollywood actress Angela Okorie was re-arrested on Tuesday after being released from Suleja prison, where she was detained over alleged defamation of fellow actress Mercy Johnson.
The re-arrest is reportedly linked to a dispute over ₦5 million in legal fees with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who helped secure her bail.
Actress Doris Ogala claimed the SAN was engaged through a third party, and Okorie is refusing to pay, saying she didn’t request the SAN’s services.
Okorie had just perfected her bail conditions and walked out of prison when she was taken back into custody, following an alarm raised by actor Stanley Ontop about a possible re-arrest.
There’s no official statement from Okorie or her legal team on the re-arrest.
Africa Magic’s dating reality series Heartbeat makes one thing clear from the outset: love, in this house, is fast, strategic, and rarely gentle. Within minutes of the premiere, it becomes obvious that this is not a slow-burn romance but a high-pressure social experiment where attraction, visibility, and influence move at breakneck speed.
Host Seyitan Atigarin wastes no time shaking things up, asking the contestants to openly declare who caught their attention before they even step into the Love Pad. The result is an instant web of interest Chidera gravitating toward Alvin, Alvin toward Queen Latifa, Latifa toward Igwe setting off a chain reaction that immediately establishes early favourites. Alvin and Igwe quickly emerge as standout male contenders, while Chidera gains attention among the women.
The first major twist arrives with the secret Love Box, granting Ken the chance to spend the night in the Love Nest with Queen Latifa. Their chemistry is undeniable and highly visible, reinforcing an early lesson of Heartbeat: attraction here is not just felt, it is performed. Meanwhile, the rest of the house is left to chance, pairing up through a numbers challenge that links Chidera with Kena, Igwe with Hilda, and Alvin with Shekinah.
As episode two unfolds, dynamics begin to shift. While Ken and Latifa’s connection continues, other pairings struggle to gain momentum. Igwe and Hilda fail to spark, while Chidera and Kena surprise viewers with grounded, future-focused conversations. At the same time, Igwe’s growing interest in Latifa introduces tension, clearly unsettling Ken and hinting that alliances are already fragile.
A truth-based challenge soon exposes the emotional cracks forming beneath the surface. Igwe’s hesitation between partners, combined with visible strain among other housemates, including Shekinah and Alvin, confirms that uncertainty is becoming the show’s driving force. Emotional sincerity and tactical maneuvering begin to overlap.
By episode three, strategy takes center stage. Igwe asserts himself by selecting Toria for the Love Nest, a move that feels less romantic and more like a calculated display of control. Queen Latifa, meanwhile, amplifies her presence with bold poolside behavior, and Igwe’s last-minute decision to kiss her ignites jealousy across the house. Ken is visibly shaken, while Shekinah’s renewed interest in Igwe appears less about connection and more about positioning.
Episode four solidifies emerging patterns. Chidera and Kena’s repeated pairings now seem intentional, signaling a steady alliance rather than coincidence. Igwe’s earlier indecision evolves into a clear tactic, while Queen Latifa proves herself the most self-aware player — adept at knowing when to attract attention and when to disrupt the status quo.
What sets Heartbeat apart is not its love stories but how quickly romance becomes leverage. Every challenge reshuffles influence. Every choice creates vulnerability. Across the first four episodes, the series establishes that success in the house depends less on emotion and more on timing, exposure, and control.
As episode four closes, the Love Pad has transformed into a stage where power, desire, and calculated risks collide. With the arrival of new housemates, Jane, Bosah, Timmy, Sharon Ray, Victory, and Ceeoni existing dynamics are poised to unravel. In Heartbeat, stability is an illusion, and no one’s position is guaranteed.
Troops uncover ISWAP torture pit deep inside Timbuktu Triangle
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have made a significant breakthrough by destroying three major detention facilities operated by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Timbuktu Triangle forest, Yobe State.
The operation, conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY V, involved a carefully coordinated offensive over two weeks, leading to the capture and destruction of the camps.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The feat, the army said, underscores the growing effectiveness and sustainability of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
The operation was carried out after sustained intelligence-led manoeuvres and offensive pressure forced ISWAP fighters to abandon key facilities within their strongholds.
Military authorities said the exposure and demolition of the camps clearly showed that OPHK troops have pushed deep into the terrorists’ inner sanctuaries, denying them both physical space and psychological advantage.
Between January 21, 2026 and date, troops uncovered and destroyed three major ISWAP detention facilities concealed within the dense Timbuktu Triangle forest, which stretches across parts of Borno and Yobe states.
Preliminary assessments revealed that the camps had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, underscoring their strategic importance to the terrorists’ operational and coercive network.
The military further disclosed that sustained offensive actions by troops directly led to the escape of more than 70 captives previously held by ISWAP.
Many of the escapees were said to have resurfaced in communities including Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau.
One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village near Buratai in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly said he escaped during a gun duel between the terrorists and advancing troops. He was abducted on December 22, 2025.
During the series of encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle, ISWAP reportedly suffered heavy losses, with no fewer than 32 fighters neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs, while several others sustained serious injuries.
After a thorough clearance of the area, the three detention facilities were deliberately demolished to permanently deny ISWAP the opportunity to reuse or reoccupy the sites.
The military said the operation was executed successfully without incident, reflecting the resilience, professionalism and combat effectiveness of OPHK troops.
The army noted that the destruction of the detention camps goes beyond a tactical victory, as it weakens ISWAP’s internal enforcement system, disrupts its ability to detain civilians and collect ransom, and further restricts the group’s freedom of action.
It added that the escape of a large number of detainees also deprives the terrorists of a major funding tool and could provide valuable intelligence to support ongoing operations.
While noting that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, the military said troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, stressing that the Armed Forces are committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, denying them safe havens, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
The Oyo State Fire Service has recovered the bodies of two men from separate wells in Ogbomoso and Saki.
The victims are Shina Adedeji, 30, and a 45-year-old man whose name wasn’t disclosed.
One of the men died trying to rescue a goat trapped in a well.
The incidents happened on Monday and Tuesday, with the fire service responding promptly to distress calls.
The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the state Fire Service, Moroof Akinwande, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He explained that while Adedeji fell into a well at the Aaje Ikose area of Ogbomoso in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area on Tuesday, the second corpse was recovered from a deep well at the Mokola area of Saki in Saki West Local Government Area on Monday.
Akinwande said: “The agency received a distress call on Monday at exactly 10:23 pm through a running caller and Yusuf Ismail that someone had fallen into a well at the Mokola area of Saki.
“Fire officers, led by PFS II Kolade Taiwo, promptly mobilised and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a man of about 45 years was trapped inside a deep well.
“Our officers quickly swung into action, secured the area with the necessary equipment, and successfully recovered the man from the well.
“The incident occurred when the man willingly entered the well in an attempt to rescue a goat, during which he became trapped.”
On the Ogbomoso incident, Akinwande said, “On February 3, at exactly 9:45 am, we were summoned to a rescue operation by a running caller and CFM Adeleke at Aaje Ikose area of Ogbomoso.
“The firemen, led by CFM Oladejo, promptly moved to the scene. On arrival, it was discovered that a man of about 30 years old, named Shina Adedeji, had fallen into a well and was recovered by officers of the agency.
“The casualty was trapped in the well, which contained ammonia gas, while attempting to retrieve a fetcher,” he said.
The chairman warned members of the public to always prioritise their safety in their daily activities, noting that life has no duplicate.
Though, this isn’t an isolated incident; a similar case occurred on January 25, where a 33-year-old man died in a well at a filling station in Ibadan.
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Fresh tensions flared in the already volatile Middle East on Tuesday after the United States military confirmed it had shot down an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle that flew toward a U.S. aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea. The incident, which American officials described as a threatening and aggressive maneuver, has heightened geopolitical anxieties at a time when Washington and Tehran are tentatively exploring the possibility of reviving stalled nuclear negotiations.
DDM NEWS gathered that the drone, identified by the U.S. military as an Iranian Shahed-139, approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier under circumstances that U.S. officials said left little room for error. According to the U.S. Navy, the drone’s intent was unclear, but its flight path and proximity to the carrier were deemed hostile enough to warrant immediate defensive action.
A U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln intercepted and shot down the drone before it could pose a direct threat to the carrier or its crew. The action, according to U.S. Central Command, was taken strictly in self-defense and in line with established rules of engagement designed to protect American forces operating in international waters.
Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, told Reuters that the drone had been behaving “aggressively” as it closed in on the carrier strike group. He stressed that no U.S. service members were injured during the encounter and that no American military assets were damaged. “An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone in self-defense and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board,” Hawkins said.
The shootdown immediately sent ripples through global markets. DDM NEWS notes that oil futures rose by more than one dollar per barrel shortly after reports of the incident emerged, reflecting investor concerns over maritime security and the potential for wider conflict in a region critical to global energy supplies. The Arabian Sea and surrounding waterways serve as key corridors for oil shipments, and any disruption there is closely watched by energy traders worldwide.
Iran’s response to the incident was measured but opaque. Iran’s mission to the United Nations declined to issue an official comment when contacted by international media. However, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that contact had been lost with one of its drones operating in international waters. The agency did not specify whether the loss was linked to U.S. military action, stating only that the cause of the incident was not immediately clear.
The drone shootdown comes at a particularly sensitive moment in U.S.-Iran relations. DDM NEWS understands that diplomatic channels have been quietly active in recent weeks, with both sides signaling cautious interest in reviving nuclear talks that have been stalled for years. Despite this, rhetoric from Washington has remained sharp. U.S. President Donald Trump recently warned that failure to reach a nuclear agreement could result in severe consequences for Tehran.
With U.S. naval assets moving closer to Iran’s coastline, President Trump said last week that “bad things” would probably happen if negotiations collapsed. While he stopped short of outlining specific military actions, the message was widely interpreted as a warning that the United States was prepared to escalate pressure if diplomacy failed.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has become the most visible symbol of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. DDM NEWS reports that the deployment follows weeks of political unrest in Iran, where security forces carried out a violent crackdown on anti-government protests. Observers described the unrest as the deadliest episode of domestic turmoil in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with significant loss of life and widespread arrests.
Although the Trump administration ultimately refrained from direct military intervention during the crackdown, Washington has since intensified both diplomatic and military pressure on Tehran. Additional naval forces have been ordered into the region, and U.S. officials have repeatedly demanded far-reaching concessions from Iran regarding its nuclear programme.
Despite the rising tensions, there have been mixed signals suggesting possible diplomatic movement. President Trump said recently that Iran was “seriously talking,” a statement echoed by Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, who confirmed that arrangements for negotiations were underway. DDM NEWS notes that these parallel tracks of diplomacy and military posturing have created a fragile and unpredictable environment, where miscalculations could quickly spiral into broader confrontation.
Adding to the sense of unease was a separate incident later on Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically vital oil shipping lanes. The U.S. Central Command reported that Iranian forces harassed a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed commercial vessel just hours after the drone shootdown.
According to Captain Hawkins, two boats belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with an Iranian Mohajer drone, approached the commercial tanker M/V Stena Imperative at high speed. The Iranian units allegedly threatened to board and seize the vessel, raising alarm over the safety of commercial shipping in the narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
DDM NEWS understands that while no shots were fired during the Strait of Hormuz incident, the encounter further underscored the heightened risk of confrontation in the region. U.S. officials described the actions as harassment and warned that such behavior could lead to serious consequences if it continued.
Analysts say the twin incidents — the drone shootdown near the USS Abraham Lincoln and the harassment of a commercial tanker — illustrate how quickly tensions between the United States and Iran can flare, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. The presence of heavily armed forces operating in close proximity increases the risk of misinterpretation and rapid escalation.
For now, U.S. officials insist their actions are defensive and aimed at ensuring the safety of American personnel and maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters. Iran, on its part, has often accused the United States of provocation and militarizing the region, framing its own actions as defensive responses to foreign pressure.
As DDM NEWS observes, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can gain traction or whether the region edges closer to open confrontation. With oil markets on edge, military assets on high alert, and political rhetoric intensifying, the shootdown of a single drone has once again highlighted how fragile stability remains in the Arabian Sea and the wider Middle East.
Banditry: Sokoto approves road construction to boost security
By Agency Report
Terrorists operating under the guise of bandits, have attacked the Doma community under Tafoki Ward in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and killed about 20 persons in broad daylight on Tuesday.
Reports from the area revealed that the bandits invaded the place in the afternoon and remained there perpetrating their ruthless act until around 4 p.m., when they withdrew.
Eyewitnesses, who doesn’t want to be quoted, said that the bandits also set ablaze a number of houses in the area.
This is happening in spite of the peace deal that was reached between the bandits and the local community.
The Chairman of the area, Alhaji Surajo Aliyu-Daudawa, confirmed the incident and described it as a reprisal attack.
Daudawa said the attack was the most devastating in the last five months.
According to him, the corpses were evacuated, and their funeral rites would be conducted in Tafoki town on Wednesday morning.
He condoled with the community over the incident and prayed to Allah to avert future recurrences.
The Police Command in the state said that 13 people were killed by the assailants during the attack, according to its spokesperson, DSP Aliyu Abubakar, in a statement on Tuesday.
He said: “On Feb. 3, 2026, at about 1400 hours, a distress call was received at Faskari Division that some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons and shooting sporadically, attacked Doma village, Faskari LGA, Katsina State.
“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO quickly mobilised operatives, in collaboration with the military, and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) responded to the scene.
“Unfortunately, the assailants have fatally shot 13 persons and escaped the scene before the arrival of the operatives.”
Popular Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh has sparked widespread conversation after she was seen reuniting with her ex-husband alongside their son at the residence of renowned clergyman, Pastor Jerry Eze.
The meeting, which many described as unexpected, appeared calm and cordial, marking a rare public moment between the former couple whose separation was once surrounded by intense controversy and legal battles. Sources close to the situation say the reunion was centered on peace, healing, and the well-being of their child.
Photos and reports from the visit show Tonto Dikeh, her son, and her ex-husband in what appeared to be a relaxed and respectful atmosphere, suggesting a possible step toward co-parenting harmony. While neither party has publicly disclosed the details of their discussions, the choice of venue Pastor Jerry Eze’s residence has fueled speculation that the meeting was guided by spiritual counsel and reconciliation efforts.
Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International and convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), is widely known for mediating family and marital issues, often emphasizing forgiveness, restoration, and peaceful resolutions.
Tonto Dikeh has previously been open about the emotional toll her failed marriage took on her, as well as her journey toward healing, faith, and personal growth. This reunion, however brief, signals a shift from past hostilities and has been welcomed by many fans who praised her maturity and willingness to put her child first.
Social media reactions have been mixed but largely hopeful, with many Nigerians applauding the move as a powerful example of choosing peace over prolonged conflict, especially where a child is involved.
While it remains unclear whether this meeting points to a deeper reconciliation or was solely for the sake of their son, one thing is certain: the moment represents progress. In a society where public breakups often remain bitter and unresolved, Tonto Dikeh’s decision to sit at the same table with her ex-husband sends a strong message about growth, forgiveness, and prioritizing family above pride.
As the story continues to unfold, many will be watching closely not for drama, but for healing.
Women in Iran can now legally obtain licences to ride motorcycles, ending years of uncertainty over the use of two-wheelers by women, local media reported Wednesday.
Previously, the law did not explicitly forbid women from riding motorcycles or scooters, but in practice, authorities refused to issue licences, leaving women legally vulnerable in accidents even when they were not at fault.
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution on Tuesday clarifying the traffic code, following approval by the Iranian cabinet in late January, according to the country’s Ilna news agency.
Under the new resolution, traffic police are required to provide practical training to female applicants, conduct exams under direct supervision, and issue motorcycle licences to women.
The change comes amid broader social shifts following widespread protests across Iran, initially sparked by economic grievances but later evolving into nationwide anti-government demonstrations.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women in Iran have faced strict societal restrictions, including mandatory dress codes, which have complicated riding motorcycles.
Women must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear modest, loose-fitting clothing.
Despite these rules, the number of women riding motorcycles has risen sharply in recent months.
The movement gained momentum after the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating the dress code, sparking nationwide protests demanding greater freedoms for women.
PHOTOS: 79 Nigerians on criminal list in US face deportation
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians listed as “worst of the worst” criminal aliens.
They were convicted of crimes including fraud, drug peddling, assault, manslaughter, and robbery.
The DHS statement said the individuals were arrested in a nationwide crackdown on criminal immigrants, led by ICE.
The statement reads: “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst of the worst, including the illegal aliens you see here.”
Others named are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay and Joseph Ogbara.
Also on the list are Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.
Others include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru and Henry Idiagbonya.
Further names are Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.
Also included are Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma and Boluwaji Akingunsoye.
Others listed are Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
The Trump administration has intensified deportation efforts, affecting many Nigerians.
The sweeping enforcement actions, including house-to-house raids, have triggered fear, controversy and protests in several parts of the country, particularly following a series of high-profile incidents involving federal immigration officers.
Some have reportedly gone into hiding or returned home amid the crackdown.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 13 new cases of Mpox, raising the country’s total to 993 confirmed cases as of January 25, 2026.
The update was posted on the GHS’s official X page on Tuesday, February 3.
“Mpox update as of January 25, 2026.
13 new cases were recorded, bringing the total confirmed cases to 993,” the health service stated.
GHS reminded the public that Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals.
It can also spread via contaminated materials, contact with infected animals, and from an infected mother to her baby during or after pregnancy.
The health service urged citizens to maintain good hygiene and seek medical attention if symptoms appears.
“Protect yourself and others by maintaining good hygiene and reporting any symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and tiredness,” the GHS advised.
The newly inaugurated Executive of the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) has reaffirmed its commitment to purposeful leadership aimed at delivering positive and sustainable development to the people of Ohafia.
The Executive has called on Ohafia indigenes and residents, both at home and in the diaspora, to cooperate with the new leadership as it mobilises resources and opportunities to address the developmental needs of the 26 communities that make up the Ohafia clan.
The President-General of the Union, Prince Kalu Ikpemini, disclosed this following the Executive’s preliminary and inaugural meetings, which were held both physically and virtually in January.
Following strategic engagements with Ohafia monarchs, led by His Royal Paramountcy, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Orji Udonsi, as well as a separate meeting with key stakeholders, the Executive resolved to establish an Advisory Committee.
The committee is tasked with developing a framework to maximise development opportunities from relevant government institutions and agencies, including the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority, and Cross River Basin Development Authority, among others.
The proposed framework will position the Union to meet defined timelines for targeted community programmes, particularly in infrastructure development and human capacity building.
As a precursor to these initiatives, the Executive has formally written to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), requesting increased surveillance across Ohafia and advocating for the establishment of an NDLEA office within the local government area.
This move is aimed at strengthening the fight against drug abuse and safeguarding the future of Ohafia youths. The request is currently receiving attention at the agency.
Similarly, the Union has concluded plans to attract Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres to Ohafia.
This initiative is designed to ease the mobility burden faced by students who currently travel long distances, including to Umuahia, to participate in tertiary matriculation examinations.
In another intervention, the Executive has written to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, through the Honourable Member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, requesting urgent attention to the Elu/Amuke Road erosion menace.
The matter has since been raised on the floor of the House and is being actively followed up by the Union’s representative, Hon. Etiokwe.
In line with its peace-building mandate, the Executive also conducted a fact-finding visit to Oko-Aku Community in connection with the communal conflicts witnessed there last month.
Subsequently, it made a formal submission to the Abia State Government’s Administrative Panel of Enquiry, outlining modalities for achieving lasting peace in the community.
The President-General and members of the Executive have reiterated their determination to restore Ohafia to its rightful place of honour, dignity, and prominence within Abia State.
The leadership assures the people of an all-inclusive administration focused on harnessing individual and collective potentials to achieve sustainable development for the Ohafia clan.
As stated in the Holy Writ: “The Lord Almighty has sworn, surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”
At least 35 people have been killed following an attack by gunmen in Kwara State, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase as more victims may still be missing.
A local lawmaker representing the Kaiama region, Sa’idu Baba Ahmed, said on Wednesday that between 35 and 40 bodies had been counted.
“This morning I was told that 35 to 40 dead bodies were counted,” Ahmed said, adding that many others fled into nearby bushes despite sustaining gunshot wounds.
He noted that more bodies could be discovered as search efforts continue.
The attack reportedly occurred in Woro village around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with the assailants allegedly setting fire to shops and the traditional ruler’s palace. Ahmed said the whereabouts of the king remain unknown.
The Kwara State Government blamed the incident on what it described as “terrorist cells.”
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the assault, calling it a “cowardly expression of frustration” by armed groups, which he said were reacting to ongoing counterterrorism operations in parts of the state.
The attack came just hours after the government announced the reopening of all schools in Kwara State. Schools had been shut since November 20, 2025, due to heightened security concerns linked to increased operations against armed groups.
Officials said schools were cleared to reopen from Monday, February 2, 2026, following “continuous security operations to neutralise threats to the public, including schools.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has continued to intensify efforts to combat armed groups, commonly referred to as bandits, across several parts of the country.
Libyan prosecutors on Wednesday said they have opened an investigation into the killing of Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was shot dead in Zintan, northwest Libya.
In a statement, the public prosecutor’s office confirmed that forensic experts had been dispatched to the city and that efforts were ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack.
“The victim died from wounds by gunfire,” the prosecutor’s office said, adding that investigators were working to question witnesses and gather information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Seif al-Islam’s lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, told AFP that his client was killed by an unidentified “four-man commando” who stormed his home in Zintan on Tuesday.
Libya has remained unstable since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi and plunged the country into years of political division and armed conflict.
The country is currently split between a UN-backed government in Tripoli and an eastern administration supported by Khalifa Haftar. Neither authority has publicly commented on Seif al-Islam’s death.
So far, the only official reaction has come from Moussa al-Kouni, vice-president of Libya’s Presidential Council representing the Fezzan region, who condemned political violence.
“No to political assassinations, no to achieving demands by force, and no to violence as a language or a means of expression,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The United States has renewed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), restoring duty-free access to the US market for eligible African countries after the trade programme expired last year.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on Tuesday that President Donald Trump had signed a law extending AGOA through December 31, 2026, with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025, the date the agreement lapsed.
Greer said the renewed deal would need to be updated to reflect current US trade priorities, stressing that Washington expects greater reciprocity from its African partners.
He added that the administration plans to work with Congress over the next year to modernise the programme and align it with broader US trade policy.
AGOA, which has guided US-Africa trade relations for the past 25 years, allows selected African countries to export goods to the United States without tariffs.
The programme covers 32 African nations and has supported billions of dollars in exports annually, including vehicles, textiles, agricultural goods, and energy products.
The agreement’s expiration in September disrupted trade flows, affected thousands of jobs, and forced exporters to absorb higher tariffs.
According to the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), AGOA exports reached $8.23 billion in 2024.
South Africa accounted for nearly half of that total, largely driven by exports of cars, precious metals, and agricultural produce. Nigeria contributed roughly one-fifth, mainly through oil and other energy products.
Smaller economies were also hit hard. In Lesotho, where the textile industry is the country’s largest employer, the lapse reportedly led to significant job losses and sparked protests in the capital, Maseru, in October.
Lesotho exported about $150 million worth of goods under AGOA in 2024.
President Trump has used tariffs as a major tool in reshaping US global trade policy, and officials say the renewed AGOA framework will be reviewed to ensure it delivers stronger benefits for American businesses while maintaining trade ties with Africa.
You go to bed on time, get what should be a full night’s sleep, yet you still wake up feeling exhausted, groggy, and unmotivated. For many people, this frustrating cycle has little to do with how many hours they sleep and more to do with everyday habits that quietly drain energy.
Below are three of the most common factors that may be responsible for persistent morning fatigue—and why making small lifestyle adjustments could help restore your energy levels.
1. Keeping Your Mobile Phone Too Close While Sleeping
Many people sleep with their phones beside them, on the bed, or under their pillows. While this may feel convenient, experts warn that it can interfere with sleep quality. Research suggests that radiation and light from mobile devices may affect the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
Reduced melatonin levels can disrupt deep sleep, leaving you feeling unrested even after several hours in bed. To improve sleep quality, it is advisable to keep your phone as far away as possible at night or switch it off entirely before going to sleep.
2. Sleeping Until Noon on Weekends
Weekends are often seen as an opportunity to “catch up” on lost sleep. Late nights out, social activities, or unfinished tasks can push bedtime well past midnight, leading many people to turn off their alarms and sleep until noon or later.
However, this habit can seriously disrupt your internal body clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. Your body thrives on consistency, and excessive sleeping on weekends can confuse its natural sleep–wake cycle. While sleeping an extra hour or an hour and a half may be harmless, anything beyond that can make it harder to wake up refreshed during the week.
3. Lack of Regular Physical Activity
Exercise plays a major role in maintaining healthy sleep patterns. While overtraining can sometimes affect sleep negatively, long periods without physical activity are far more likely to cause fatigue. If you have not exercised for several months, this could be a key reason you feel constantly tired.
Regular physical activity helps reduce insomnia, improves sleep depth, and boosts overall energy levels. Experts recommend exercising at least three times a week to support better sleep and improved daytime alertness.
The Bottom Line
Feeling tired in the morning is not always a sign of poor sleep duration—it is often a reflection of lifestyle choices. Keeping electronic devices away at night, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and staying physically active can make a noticeable difference. Small changes, when practiced consistently, may be all you need to wake up feeling refreshed and energized again.
Malaria remains one of the world’s most serious and potentially deadly infectious diseases, despite being both preventable and curable when treated early. Transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the illness begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches but can rapidly progress into a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
Health experts warn that without prompt medical attention, malaria can lead to severe complications including organ failure and death. Yet, with the right preventive measures and timely treatment, the disease can be effectively controlled.
Causes and Transmission
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are most commonly spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once in the body, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply before entering the bloodstream and infecting red blood cells.
In addition to mosquito bites, malaria can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or through contaminated blood transfusions, although these cases are less common.
Symptoms and Disease Progression
The early signs of malaria often resemble those of common viral infections. Patients may experience high fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically appear between 10 and 15 days after infection, though in some cases onset may take longer.
If untreated, the disease can worsen into what is known as severe or complicated malaria. This stage may involve jaundice, seizures, coma, difficulty breathing, severe anemia, kidney failure, and can ultimately be fatal.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Malaria is diagnosed through laboratory blood tests that detect the presence of parasites. Once confirmed, treatment must begin immediately.
The disease is treated with antimalarial medications, most commonly artemisinin-based combination therapies. When administered early, these drugs are highly effective and can completely cure the infection.
Prevention remains a critical tool in reducing malaria cases. Measures include sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and taking preventive medications, especially for travelers visiting high-risk areas. Vaccines have also been introduced and are recommended for children in regions where malaria is widespread.
Global Risk and Impact
Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, accounting for hundreds of millions of infections each year. Travelers from malaria-free countries are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of natural immunity.
Despite significant progress in recent years, malaria continues to pose a major global health challenge. Public health officials stress that sustained prevention efforts, early diagnosis, and access to treatment are essential to saving lives and reducing the burden of the disease.
Dr Fernando Dias da Costa, who claimed victory in Guinea-Bissau’s 23rd November 2025 presidential election, will not participate in the power-sharing transition government suggested by the ruling military junta, and has instead called for his inauguration as the country’s legitimate leader, his National Campaign Directorate said.
It is widely believed that, in an apparent move to avoid an electoral defeat, former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló orchestrated a military coup on 26th November 2025 ahead of the announcement of the results of the legislative and presidential polls and handed power to his loyalists in the army.
“We categorically reject any attempt to impose a so-called ‘transition government’ that does not emanate from the popular will and is enforced through arms and brute force,” Dias National Campaign Directorate said in a statement at the weekend.
According to the statement, “Fernando Dias da Costa is the legitimate winner of the presidential elections of 23rd November 2025….” “Any solution that does not recognise (the) results and ensure his immediate swearing-in is illegitimate and unacceptable.”
“Accordingly, the National Campaign Directorate will not participate in any power-sharing arrangement or allocation of ministerial portfolios under the authority of the coup plotters. Any reforms in Guinea can only be undertaken within the constitutional framework, by legitimate and democratically elected institutions,” it added.
The ECOWAS Commission had, in a statement on 30th January 2025, “welcomed the recent measures taken by the transitional authorities of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau aimed at fostering an inclusive political environment and advancing the country’s return to constitutional order.”
Quoting communication by the junta regime to the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, the President of Sierra Leone, the Commission said the measures included:
– Formation of an inclusive transition government, with three ministerial positions each allocated to the PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde) and the political group led by Mr Fernando Dias da Costa
– Appointment of ten representatives from the two political groups to the National Transition Council.
– Release of all political prisoners and improvement of the conditions of detention of Mr Domingos Simões Pereira, President of the PAIGC, who has been transferred from central prison to house arrest, and
– Withdrawal of the request for the departure of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB).
In its statement, the Dias Campaign Directorate confirmed that Senegal has facilitated the “transfer of the President of the National People’s Assembly, Mr. Domingos Simões Pereira, from a police station to his private residence,” while “the duly elected President, Fernando Dias da Costa, was able to return to his home after staying under protection at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“However, this change does not constitute freedom. Mr Domingos Simões Pereira continues to be deprived of his rights and remains under arbitrary detention at his residence, without any legal basis or judicial warrant,” the statement said, adding that “His detention, which has now exceeded two months, constitutes a clear act of political persecution by the authors of the coup…”
Pereira, leader of the opposition coalition, which included the PAIGC was barred along with the party from the last November elections, and they mobilised support for Dias.
The Dias Campaign Directorate said, “The self-proclaimed Military High Command, despite repeated attempts to fabricate a legal justification, has failed to present any legal proceedings or criminal charges against Domingos Simões Pereira. His only so-called ‘offence’ is leading the electoral victory of Fernando Dias da Costa and upholding the will of the Bissau Guinean people.”
It said the junta had sought to “mislead ECOWAS, national and the international public opinion, seeking to portray itself as complying with the decisions by ECOWAS, the United Nations, African Union, EU and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.”
The statement dismissed the narrative as “narrative,” adding: “The so-called ‘transition’ announced by the military authorities not only disregards the will of the Bissau Guinean people but also blatantly ignores the decisions adopted by ECOWAS at its Summits on 27th November and 14th December 2025.”
It further said: “Only individuals acting in bad faith and driven by obscure interests will fail to understand that the current military usurpation of power serves to protect the interests of former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was decisively defeated in the elections adjudged free, fair and transparent by the international community.”
The Campaign Directorate “Categorically rejects the attempt by the Military High Command to simulate a normalcy that does not exist. Guinea-Bissau is living under a disguised dictatorship,” it added.
According to its quoted communication with the ECOWAS authorities, the Gen. Horta Inta-A-led military regime has backed down from its earlier demand that the ECOWAS armed forces in Guinea-Bissau, ESSMGB, be withdrawn.
The Campaign Directorate said the Mission should remain and provide security to Dias and his principal officers.
Other demands by the Campaign Directorate are:
– Immediate and unconditional release of Pereira and all political detainees, and the guarantee of their safety and total freedom
– Immediate cessation of persecution, abductions, assaults and intimidation of citizens, activists and journalists
– Call on the Bissau Guinean people to resist peacefully, yet firmly, the military regime that has usurped power and betrayed public trust
– Urge the international community to isolate the ‘illegitimate regime’ and refrain from recognising any of its actions
– Call on ECOWAS to honour its decisions and proceed with targeted sanctions against all individuals obstructing the return to democratic constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau
Reiterating its commitment to the “struggle for democracy, legitimacy and the dignity of the Guinean people,” the Campaign Directorate said: “We shall not rest until the will of the people expressed at the ballot box is fully restored.”
The Bissau junta is proceeding with its transition programme and has fixed elections for 6th December 2026, ignoring ECOWAS’ demand for a “short” transition programme.
Also, after his self-coup, Embaló continues to direct the junta regime from the background, with his portrait pictures still adorning government offices in Bissau.
The junta has already altered the national Constitution, paving the way for expanded presidential powers and Embalo’s possible return through the transition election.
According to many analysts, while ECOWAS appears indecisive or out of effective solution options on the Guinea-Bissau and other leadership crises bedevilling it, the minimum requirement is for Embaló to be barred from any transition election so that he does not profit from his self-coup.
Furthermore, consequential pressure, including targeted sanctions, should be mounted on the junta regime to release the election results and return Guinea-Bissau to constitutional order without further delay.
Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications.
The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, the commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking during a press briefing, Anderson said the deployment followed discussions between both countries, with an agreement that stronger action was needed to tackle the growing terrorist threat in West Africa.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson said.
The AFRICOM chief did not disclose details about the size of the team or the scope of its mission.
However, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed that a US team was operating in the country, although he likewise did not provide further information.
The development marks the first official confirmation of US forces on the ground in Nigeria since the Christmas Day 2025 US airstrikes targeting suspected terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West.
US President Donald Trump, who announced that he ordered the strikes against what he described as Islamic State targets, had earlier warned that additional US military action in Nigeria could follow.
Reports also indicate that the US has been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since at least late November.
A former US official cited by Reuters said the American team appeared to be involved mainly in intelligence gathering and supporting Nigerian forces to target terrorist-linked groups.
The deployment comes amid increased pressure from Washington on Nigeria to respond to insecurity, after President Trump accused the country of failing to protect Christians from attacks by Islamist militants in the northwest.
The Nigerian government has denied claims of systematic persecution of Christians, insisting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of violence.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to confront Islamist fighters and other armed groups responsible for attacks across the country.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has moved out of Royal Lodge in Windsor and relocated to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, according to reports.
The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is currently staying at Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham Estate while renovations are carried out on what is expected to become his long-term residence.
Buckingham Palace confirmed in October that Mountbatten-Windsor would be leaving Royal Lodge, announcing that formal notice had been served to surrender the lease.
The move was made public at the same time his title of prince was removed.
It is believed he will eventually settle at Marsh Farm on the estate.
The Sandringham Estate is privately owned by the King, and the costs of Mountbatten-Windsor’s new accommodation are expected to be covered by him.
Mountbatten-Windsor formerly known as the Duke of York is expected to return to Windsor in the coming weeks to collect remaining belongings, but his official base is now in Norfolk.
He was last seen in Windsor on Monday riding on horseback near Royal Lodge and was later photographed driving away from Windsor Castle.
The move comes amid continued controversy over Royal Lodge, including scrutiny of the lease arrangement.
A National Audit Office report previously revealed that when Mountbatten-Windsor took on the lease in 2003, he paid more than £8 million in repairs, effectively covering future rent obligations for the 75-year term.
However, a Crown Estate report suggested the property now requires extensive repairs, meaning he is unlikely to receive compensation for surrendering the lease early.
Mountbatten-Windsor continues to face renewed pressure over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with calls increasing for him to provide evidence in the United States.
He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Thames Valley Police is also reviewing allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge in 2010 claims he has not responded to publicly.
The issue has gained further attention following the release of millions of pages of documents by the US Department of Justice relating to Epstein’s activities and associates.
What began as a peaceful family outing on the water quickly turned into a life-or-death ordeal and at the center of it stood a 13-year-old boy whose courage stunned an entire nation.
Austin Appelbee, a teenager from Western Australia, became an unlikely hero after swimming for nearly four hours through cold, dangerous ocean waters to save his mother and two younger siblings. The family had been kayaking and paddleboarding when strong currents suddenly swept them far out to sea, dragging them more than two miles offshore and leaving them helpless against the power of the ocean.
As conditions worsened and the family drifted farther away from land, it became clear that waiting for help was no longer an option. In an agonizing decision, Austin’s mother, Joanne Appelbee, told her son to attempt the impossible swim back to shore alone to find help.
With no life jacket, massive waves crashing around him, and exhaustion setting in, Austin entered the water knowing there was no guarantee he would survive. Yet he pressed on.
Throughout the four-hour swim, Austin says prayer was what kept him moving.
“I don’t think it was actually me,” he later said. “It was God the whole time. I just kept praying and telling myself to keep going.”
Battling powerful currents and freezing temperatures, Austin focused on one thought which was survival. He repeated the words “just keep swimming” as the shoreline slowly came into view. When he finally reached land, his body gave out. He collapsed onto the beach, completely spent.
But his mission wasn’t over.
Summoning what little strength he had left, Austin got back up and ran nearly a mile to find help. Once he alerted authorities, a rescue operation was immediately launched. A helicopter was dispatched to locate his mother, 12-year-old brother, and 8-year-old sister, who had now spent close to ten hours drifting in open water.
Miraculously, they were found alive.
Officials later confirmed the family had drifted nearly nine miles from their original location near Quindalup a distance that highlights just how perilous the situation had become.
For Joanne Appelbee, sending her son into the ocean alone was the most difficult decision of her life.
“It was terrifying,” she said. “But I knew we needed help fast. I told him to try to get to shore because things were getting serious very quickly.”
Austin’s bravery has since drawn widespread admiration, not only for his physical endurance but for the calm resolve he showed under unimaginable pressure. At just 13 years old, he made an adult decision, placing his own life at risk to save the people he loved most.
Austin later shared that he had promised God he would get baptized if he survived the swim a vow that speaks to the faith he says carried him through the ordeal.
In a world often filled with grim headlines, Austin Appelbee’s story stands out as a powerful reminder of courage, faith, and selflessness. Against impossible odds, a young boy faced the ocean and won.
