Trump dismisses ceasefire, wants ‘real end’ to Iran nuclear threat

Published

3 weeks ago

June 17, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out support for a ceasefire with Iran, stating that his administration is instead seeking a “real end” to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington following an early departure from the G7 summit in Canada, Trump clarified his stance: “I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire, a real end means giving up entirely on nuclear weapons,” he said.

Trump added that he is considering sending U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to engage Iran in talks, but noted that the decision would depend on developments upon his return to Washington.

The president claimed Iran is “very close to having” a nuclear weapon, contradicting testimony from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in March, in which she stated Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.

Warning Tehran against any aggression towards U.S. forces, Trump said, “I would come down so hard if they do anything to our people.”

He also signalled continued Israeli military action, saying, “You’re going to find out over the next two days. Nobody’s slowed up so far.”

Addressing his earlier call for Tehran’s nearly 10 million residents to evacuate, Trump said it stemmed from a desire to keep civilians safe.

Man drags new wife to court in Kano over alleged theft of phones worth ₦65,000

Published

3 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A man identified as Usman Ali has taken his newlywed wife Maryam, before a Sharia Court sitting in Jaba, Kano State, accusing her of stealing three mobile phones valued at approximately ₦65,000.

During the court session, Maryam denied the allegations, stating that she had travelled from Abuja to Kano after enduring repeated beatings from her husband.

She told the court that she was forced to return to her parents’ home to seek refuge from the alleged abuse.

Usman also filed a complaint against three other women whom he identified as Maryam’s friends, accusing them of influencing his wife negatively and encouraging her to engage in inappropriate outings.

The presiding judge, Ustaz Rabiu Yahaya, granted Maryam bail and adjourned the case to July 15 for further hearing.

Seven dead, 41 injured in Bauchi highway crash

Published

23 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

At least seven people have lost their lives in a fatal crash along the Alkaleri–Gombe Federal Highway, while 41 others sustained serious injuries.

The tragic incident was disclosed in an updated First Information Report, FIR, from the RS12.13 Alkaleri Unit Command of the Bauchi State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, made available to Ekwutosblog.

According to the report, the crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. at Kirfi Junction and involved a commercial DAF trailer. All seven deceased were adult males.

The lone crash was attributed to a mechanical fault, specifically, a structural failure in which the head of the trailer detached from its body while in motion.

A total of 48 people were involved in the incident, including 38 adult males and 10 male children. Of these, 41 sustained varying degrees of injuries, 25 adult males and 16 male children, while seven adult males died at the scene.

FRSC personnel were said to have responded to the distress call at 3:02 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 3:50 p.m., marking a 48-minute response time.

The injured were transported to the General Hospital in Alkaleri, with some later referred to the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi for advanced care. The remains of the deceased were deposited in the morgue before being handed over to their families for burial.

The rescue operation was led by DRC H.Y. Danjuma on behalf of the Unit Commander.

In the wake of the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, paid a condolence visit to Kirfi Local Government Area on Friday. During the visit, he announced a N50 million relief package for the victims and their families.

According to the governor, each bereaved family will receive N2 million, while those still receiving treatment in hospital will be given N1 million each. Victims who have been discharged will receive N500,000 each.

He added that additional support would be provided through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.

Governor Mohammed described the accident as deeply painful, especially given the loss of many young lives.

The governor condemned the practice of transporting over 200 people in a single truck, calling it highly irresponsible and unacceptable.

Suspected gunmen kill brother of village Imam, one other in Niger

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Suspected bandits have attacked Kulho and Maikade villages in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing two residents and injuring others.

According to a post by security analyst, Bakatsine on X on Thursday, the attack happened late Wednesday night when armed men stormed the two neighbouring villages.

One of the victims was identified as Alhaji Yahaya, the brother of the Imam of Kulho village. The Imam was also injured during the attack but survived.

Another victim, Alhaji Bello Maikade, a respected community member in Maikade village, was also killed during the incident.

“Yesterday night, bandits stormed Kulho and Maikade villages in Mashegu LGA, Niger State. They killed Alhaji Yahaya, the brother of Kulho’s Imam (who was injured but survived) and also murdered Alhaji Bello Maikade,” Bakatsine wrote.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.