EVENTS
At least 17 dead in powerful bomb blast at train station in Pakistan
At least 17 people have died in a powerful bomb blast at a train station in Quetta, southwestern Pakistan, officials said.
Another 30 were wounded in the explosion that tore through the station in the early hours of Saturday.
“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” said Muhammad Baloch, the senior superintendent of police operations.
Quetta is the capital of the restive Balochistanprovince, which has seen a growing threat in recent months from local militant groups.
Preliminary visuals of the aftermath of the explosion showed the platform littered with passengers’ luggage.
Mr Baloch said the attack “seems to be a suicide blast” but it was too early to say for sure. Around 100 people were present at the station at the time of the attack, Mr Baloch said, citing footage of the incident.
The death toll is likely to rise as some of the wounded passengers are in critical condition, said Shahid Ring, a government spokesperson.
An investigation has been launched into the incident to ascertain the nature of the blast, he said, according to the daily newspaper Dawn.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist group that operates in the region, has claimed responsibility for the attack and said a suicide bomber targeted troops present at the railway station. Police officials said they are investigating the claim.
If confirmed, it would be the second deadly attack by BLA militants in a little over a month in Pakistan.
On 7 October, at least two Chinese nationals were killed after BLA militants carried out a bomb attack near the international airport in Karachi. The attack took place just a week before a high-level summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), raising security concerns for the meeting of world leaders.
BLA militants have repeatedly targeted security forces and foreigners, especially Chinese nationals who are in Pakistan as part of Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which includes the construction of major infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
The militant group sees the presence of foreign workers as a threat to local resources and its grip on the restive southwestern region.
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EVENTS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE- GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA CELEBRATES HIS WIFE ON HER BIRTHDAY WITH HEARTFELT MESSAGE .
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
15- DEC- 2025
Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has paid a deeply emotional and reflective birthday tribute to his wife, expressing profound gratitude, love, and appreciation for her unwavering companionship and strength throughout their shared journey in life.
In the message released to mark her birthday, the Governor described his wife as a steadfast partner whose presence has brought him joy, balance, and reassurance. He conveyed how privileged he feels to walk the path of life with her by his side, portraying her as dependable, faithful, and strong in moments of certainty and uncertainty alike.
Drawing from literary wisdom, Governor Uzodimma likened his wife to a guiding light in turbulent times, noting that her love has been a source of direction and comfort. He referenced the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to illustrate a love that nurtures rather than controls, explaining that through their union, he has come to understand how genuine love cultivates patience, courage, and enduring hope.
The Governor further reflected on their shared accomplishments, emphasizing that their relationship has gone beyond planning and aspirations to the building of a purposeful and meaningful life together. He described each achievement as a joint success and every milestone as evidence of unity, shared resolve, and mutual commitment. In alignment with Aristotle’s philosophy of love as a single soul dwelling in two bodies, he affirmed that their past experiences and future aspirations remain inseparably connected, with greater accomplishments still ahead.
Offering prayers for his wife, Governor Uzodimma called on God to continually guide her steps, bless all her endeavors, and grant her long life, sound health, and abiding peace. He reassured her of the deep and enduring love she shares with him and their children, a bond he described as far beyond what words can fully capture.
The Governor concluded the tribute by warmly wishing his wife a joyful birthday, celebrating her not only as a life partner but as a pillar of strength, love, and inspiration within their family.
It was a night of deserving honour to the Zigima that has shone for decades.
A night of entertainment, joy, excitement and laughter.
Thank you Governor Alex Otti for your intentional dedication to creating a new atmosphere of unity, peace and security, backed by visible transformation in all facets of governance.
Thank you for ensuring that Abia didn’t just rise from the ashes, but that it commenced a progressive journey to greatness in all spheres.
Thank you for choosing to inspire the younger generation by celebrating excellence and great accomplishments.
Happy birthday Bright Chimezie (Zigima)
Ferdinand Ekeoma
December 14, 2025.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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