Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market Fear of civilian casualties has emerged following claims that Nigerian military jets targeted a village market in the north-east. The attack occurred near the border of Yobe and Borno states, amid ongoing operations against Islamist militants, according to Reuters and local accounts. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed air strikes targeting “identified terrorist locations” in the Jilli axis of Borno State on Saturday, though it has not officially stated whether the market was hit or if any deaths occurred. Conflicting accounts have surfaced regarding the toll of the strike. Reuters, citing a local councillor, three residents, and an international humanitarian official, reported at least 200 people killed. Zanna Nur Geidam, the councillor, described the incident as “devastating,” adding that injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno. In contrast, the Sun and Punch cited sources claiming only 10 fatalities and several injuries. However, the Daily Trust reported an eyewitness stating 56 people died, with 14 hospitalized. The market, a hub for traders and buyers from nearby communities, is located in the Gubio local government area. On Sunday, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency shared “preliminary reports” of the incident, noting that “casualties affected some marketers.” While emergency teams were deployed, the agency emphasized that “details about the incident’s nature and casualty count remain unverified.” “Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard,” stated a post on X from Amnesty International’s Nigeria branch. “This reckless use of deadly force is unlawful and outrageous, highlighting the Nigerian military’s disregard for civilian lives.” Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, representing Yobe State, confirmed that some residents from the Geidam local government area, bordering Borno, were impacted. Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old trader, told Reuters he was injured in the blast. “I became so scared and tried to flee, but a friend pulled me back, and we all collapsed to the ground,” he recounted. The northeastern region has witnessed repeated incidents where military air operations against Islamist insurgents have accidentally targeted civilians, including villages and displacement camps. The Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced over two million people and claimed thousands of lives, continues to dominate the area’s security landscape.

‘A truly historic moment’: BBC reports from Hungary as Viktor Orbán concedes election After 16 years of leading Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has officially accepted the election results, paving the way for opposition leader Péter Magyar to assume the role of Hungary’s next prime minister. The outcome of the vote, marked by unprecedented voter turnout, has been hailed as a pivotal shift in the nation’s political landscape and its broader implications for Europe. The BBC’s Rajini Vaidyanathan provided live coverage from outside Hungary’s parliament, where crowds gathered to hear the news of Orbán’s defeat. With over two-thirds of ballots counted, Magyar’s party is expected to secure a commanding majority in the legislature, signaling a significant change in direction for the country. “Life has been a ‘living nightmare’ since my daughter’s death,” said the mother of a 16-year-old girl killed in a scrambler accident. Her words underscore the personal toll of the tragedy, which has left many grappling with grief and uncertainty. Meanwhile, in the Vatican, a U.S. exhibition basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters, entertained Pope Francis by demonstrating a spinning trick on the tip of his finger. This lighthearted moment contrasted sharply with the somber mood in other parts of the world. Storms Marta and Leonardo have unleashed chaos across Spain, resulting in widespread flooding and the displacement of thousands. The weather-related disruptions have added to the challenges faced by communities already struggling with economic and social upheaval. A town in northern Italy kicked off its annual carnival with the iconic Battle of the Oranges, as citizens hurled fruit in celebration. The event, a symbol of the region’s cultural traditions, took place amid ongoing regional issues, including the recent introduction of a €2 fee for viewing the city’s famed fountain. Residents in Ukraine’s capital are finding small joys in unexpected places, even as Russian attacks continue to strain energy supplies and endure harsh winter conditions. The resilience of the people in the face of adversity highlights a glimmer of hope in the midst of crisis. Italy’s royal family has been scrutinized recently, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past association with late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her comments, revealing a wish to have never met Epstein, reflect the ongoing fallout from the scandal. News of Nazar Daletskyi’s death reached his family in 2022, the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. His passing added another layer to the list of casualties attributed to the conflict, which has also led to power outages across millions of households. Crowds in Rome gathered to honor the legacy of celebrated fashion designer Valentino, who passed away at the age of 93. His funeral coincided with other global events, including the arrival of a commercial flight from Dubai in Dublin, the first to land after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Russia editor Steve Rosenberg reported from the outskirts of Moscow, where Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev was shot and wounded. The incident occurred as tensions escalated in the region, with ongoing conflicts casting a shadow over the capital’s stability. BBC correspondent Paul Kirby covered the trial in Oslo, where Marius Borg Høiby faces multiple serious charges, including rape. The legal proceedings have drawn international attention, especially given the ongoing controversies involving Norway’s royal family. Survivors on the run recounted harrowing experiences from the Russian side of the Ukraine frontlines, detailing the devastation caused by relentless combat. These accounts have intensified calls for accountability and aid in the war-torn region. Ms. Pelicot described the events as “inconceivable,” expressing disbelief that the man she shared her life with could have committed such atrocities. Her testimony adds a human dimension to the broader narrative of crime and consequence. Jessica and Jacques Moretti are under investigation for involuntary manslaughter, along with charges of bodily harm and arson through negligence. Their case has sparked debate over the legal and moral responsibilities in the wake of tragic incidents. More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from an Italian island, raising concerns about the safety of coastal communities. This action follows recent displacement efforts due to natural and human-made disasters. Italian firefighters shared video of a wolf being rescued from under a bridge, a moment that captured public attention. The rescue, while small in scale, symbolized the dedication of emergency workers in diverse situations.

Employment Tribunal Set for Dan Walker as Former Co-Host Files Bullying Claim TV personality Dan Walker is scheduled to attend an employment tribunal following a claim filed by his former Channel 5 News co-host, Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije. The case, which alleges workplace bullying, has also named ITN, the producer of Channel 5 News, and its parent company Paramount as respondents, as confirmed by Vanderpuije’s legal representative. According to The Mail on Sunday, which initially reported the story, Vanderpuije’s claim extends beyond bullying to include accusations of sexism and misogyny. However, ITN has stated that the allegations are “denied in full,” with the organization set to defend its position through the tribunal process. “This claim, which is denied in full, will be addressed through the tribunal process,” said an ITN spokesperson. Vanderpuije, who previously hosted BBC Breakfast, left the Channel 5 News team in 2024. She and Walker, a familiar face on Strictly Come Dancing, were co-hosts from 2022. The tribunal is expected to last five weeks, starting on 20 April. Walker and Paramount have been contacted for their responses to the allegations. Reports indicate that a prior internal review of claims against Walker did not support the accusations, finding no evidence of misconduct. Additionally, the Mail on Sunday cited a source stating Walker has gathered over 50 character witness statements to counter the allegations. The trial will now determine the validity of Vanderpuije’s case, with ITN CEO Rachel Corp also listed as a respondent.

Trump’s Hormuz Blockade Threat Intensifies Tensions, Leaves Challenges Unresolved President Donald Trump announced a decisive action on Sunday morning, following the unsuccessful efforts of Vice President JD Vance to broker an end to the US-Iran conflict. The plan involves implementing a naval blockade targeting Iran, with Trump asserting that any vessel paying an unauthorized toll would face restricted movement on international waters. Simultaneously, he emphasized that the US would persist in removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz to guarantee the security of shipping routes for allied nations. The military, he stated, is “locked and loaded,” poised to escalate hostilities against Iran at a “suitable time.” Uncertainties Surround the Blockade’s Impact Despite the administration’s claims of progress during 20-hour discussions in Islamabad, Iran has refused to abandon its nuclear program, as demanded by the US. While Trump’s latest statements lack the dramatic warnings of his previous threats to erase Iranian civilization, they introduce fresh complications. Questions linger: Could mine-clearing operations expose American ships to heightened Iranian aggression? How would the US identify and penalize those who transact with Iran illegally? What if foreign ships, including those flying Chinese flags, defy the blockade? And could this strategy, aimed at cutting off Iran’s main revenue source, trigger a surge in oil prices? “I don’t see how blockading the strait will force Iran to open it,” said Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, during an interview with CNN. “This isn’t just a US issue,” argued Republican Congressman Mike Turner of Ohio, former head of the House intelligence panel, on CBS’ Face the Nation. “The president’s stance is inviting all allies to join in addressing the situation.” Before the recent ceasefire agreement, Trump faced a dilemma. He could either keep escalating attacks, risking long-term harm to Iran’s civilian infrastructure and worsening economic instability, or retreat from a war that has struggled to gain public support. Even some of his backers, who had hoped for a quick exit from Middle East conflicts, are now questioning his resolve. A week later, the president’s challenges remain unchanged, despite his rhetoric of triumph. The War’s Economic and Political Stakes Speaking to Fox News, Trump expressed confidence that Iran would eventually concede to US demands, promising “everything” the administration seeks. He also downplayed concerns about rising oil prices, insisting the US economy would withstand the strain. Yet this optimism carries risk, particularly as November’s midterm elections approach. A miscalculation could cost his Republican Party significant ground if the war’s economic toll outweighs its political benefits. Behind the Scenes: A Bizarre Transition from Diplomacy to Combat On Saturday night, as Vance negotiated in Islamabad, Trump traveled to Miami to observe UFC matches. The event, described by press members as unusual, featured the president watching intense combat in a bloodstained ring, engaging in discussions with advisors like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and conversing with celebrities. Unlike the structured outcomes of UFC bouts, the Iran conflict shows no signs of resolution, with the current ceasefire nearing its end and tensions persisting.

Reform UK Calls Tice’s £91,000 Tax Dispute a ‘Minor Administrative Error’ Richard Tice, a prominent figure in Reform UK, has stated that a recent tax controversy tied to his property company constitutes “a minor administrative error.” The company, which he established and controlled, reportedly missed paying £91,000 in taxes prior to distributing dividends to him and his Jersey-based trust, as detailed by the Sunday Times. Party Concedes Oversight in Tax Handling Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, acknowledged the situation as “a minor administrative error” but emphasized it was “a non-story.” He argued that any shortfall in the company’s tax payments would have been compensated by Tice personally through income tax, ensuring the total tax due was fully covered. “We neither confirm nor deny investigations, and we cannot comment on identifiable individuals,” said a spokesperson for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Tice Defends Tax Strategy on Social Media In a post on X, Tice contended that the Sunday Times’s report highlighted how “overall HMRC received the correct amount of tax due.” He criticized the paper for implying he overpaid, suggesting the company’s failure to meet the 20% levy on dividends was a technicality rather than a significant issue. “This is a major scandal which goes to the heart of Richard Tice’s integrity and credibility. Reform cannot ignore it,” stated a Labour spokesperson. Labour Demands Explanation and Investigation Last month, Labour requested HMRC to probe Tice’s tax affairs after the Sunday Times alleged he had “avoided nearly £600,000 in corporation tax” via his property firm. Anna Turley, chair of Labour, wrote to the tax authority following the report, urging clarity on whether the company adhered to legal obligations. At a press conference in Westminster, Tice asserted that Quidnet REIT Limited “was a UK company paying UK tax in accordance with UK laws.” He questioned the necessity of paying the maximum tax, asking journalists: “How many of your friends would voluntarily choose to pay more tax than they are legally obliged to do?” “How many of your friends would voluntarily choose to pay more tax than they are legally obliged to do?” Tice posed to reporters, arguing that the idea of paying the maximum tax “lies at the heart of the road to ruin for the UK as an economy.”

Bus Incident on A9 Leads to Two Hospitalizations A collision involving a bus and an embankment occurred on the A9 near Aviemore, resulting in two individuals requiring medical attention. The crash took place around 9:40 on Sunday close to Granish Junction, prompting a coordinated emergency operation. Firefighters, ambulance services, and police were called to the scene, where the vehicle had departed the road. The A9 was temporarily closed for approximately two hours before traffic was restored. The bus, which was electric, was traveling from Inverness to Edinburgh and operated by the company Ember. Details about the severity of the injuries sustained by the two passengers were not immediately disclosed. Images captured at the site show the turquoise bus partially wedged on a grassy slope alongside the road, with several emergency responders visible at the location. A representative from Ember stated that one of their fleet vehicles was involved in a single-vehicle collision on 12 April. They expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their prompt assistance and confirmed the company is collaborating fully with police to investigate the incident.

Four arrested over murder of Scottish businessman in Kenya Following a coordinated operation involving multiple agencies, four individuals were detained in connection with the killing of a Scottish businessman whose remains were discovered inside a sack in Kenya. The body of Campbell Scott, 58, was found in Makongo Forest, approximately 60 miles (96.5km) from Nairobi, where he had been staying, on 24 February last year. Arrests linked to robbery investigation Kenyan authorities announced the arrests after a separate inquiry into a violent theft involving an American citizen in Nyali, close to Mombasa. The suspects were apprehended in Ukunda, a coastal town about 16 miles (25.8 km) south of Mombasa, during a joint effort between the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CR&IB) and SCCIO Nyali and Msambweni units. Scott, from Dunfermline in Fife, was a senior director at FICO, a credit scoring company. He had arrived in Nairobi for a conference before vanishing. His absence was noted after he failed to meet colleagues at the JW Marriott Hotel in the city’s Westlands district to deliver a presentation. The previous evening, Scott was seen at Havana nightclub. Body discovered in pineapple sack Kenyan police indicated that Scott’s body was located in a pineapple sack with his hands tied in Makongo Forest. The remains were found near a property in the Pipeline district, a slum area about 9.3 miles (15km) from his hotel. Prosecutors suggest he was detained there to access funds from his accounts. “An operation was conducted by DCI officers drawn from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CR&IB) Headquarters, working jointly with their counterparts from SCCIO Nyali and Msambweni (Ukunda). The suspects, Bernard Mbusu, Isaac Kinoti Kobia, Evans Muthengi Mutaki, and Kelvin Mwangi Njoroge, were apprehended at Ideal Apartments, Ukunda. The suspects have also been connected through forensic evidence to another robbery with violence in Watamu, Malindi Sub-County. A search at their residence led to the recovery of stolen items, including an HP laptop, mobile phones, various foreign currencies, multiple credit cards, cheque books from different banks, and PDQ card reader machines.”

Streeting Refutes Alteration of Pay Agreement for Resident Doctors Health Secretary Wes Streeting has asserted that the government “absolutely” did not modify the existing pay agreement with resident doctors, which has been the focal point of recent labor disputes. He emphasized that the BMA resident doctors’ committee had “flatly rejected” any attempt to adjust the terms, despite ongoing protests over wages and working conditions. Dr. Jack Fletcher, head of the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, responded by highlighting that discussions centered on one- or two-year settlements. He claimed the government abruptly shifted to a “three-year framework” at the final stage, reducing financial commitments. The current six-day strike in England is expected to conclude shortly before midnight on Monday. “We’ve moved as much as possible, and I remain committed to engaging with the BMA,” Streeting stated during an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program. “The deal proposed includes a 28.9% raise for resident doctors within the first few months of the Labour administration.” Fletcher, however, noted that despite a cumulative 33% increase over four years, doctors are still earning 20% less than their 2008 salaries when adjusted for inflation. He reiterated that the BMA has consistently sought compromise, stating, “Our goal has always been to resolve this through dialogue.” “There’s no evidence the deal was changed at the last minute,” Streeting argued. “Either the BMA didn’t grasp the details or found it easier to attribute the issue to the government. I won’t close the door to negotiations, but they must acknowledge the need for mutual concessions.” Hours before the interview, Streeting released a letter on X addressing the union. In it, he expressed frustration over the latest strike, noting that “the majority of the agreement remains intact.” He explained that the financial strain of the strikes had prevented the immediate allocation of 1,000 additional training spots from a total of 4,500 planned for the year. Fletcher confirmed the BMA remains “ready to meet” with Streeting, underscoring their willingness to continue talks. “We’ve negotiated in good faith throughout this process,” he added, highlighting the committee’s dedication to finding a resolution.