STAR NEWS NAIJA

 A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Benedict Akika has reportedly been kidnapped, on Wednesday night. He was said to have been kidnapped at his Olorunda residence in the Lagelu Local Government Area of the state. Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that the gunmen, who were armed to the teeth, invaded his residence and threatened to shoot any of the occupants that might put up resistance. A family source, who did not want his name in the print, said the victim was relaxing with his family when the gunmen stormed his residence. The source said, “There was a sporadic gunshot which was aimed at scaring the residents and passersby. “He was later whisked away on Wednesday night to an unknown destination.” He said. Another source said, “He was kidnapped last night. And this is a man that empowered some widows and the less privileged with work tools worth millions of naira at his Olorunda residence a few weeks ago.” As of press time, the state Police Publ...

 Four people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, Wednesday. USA Today reports that the victims include two students and two teachers, identified as Mason Schermerhorn, 14, Christian Angulo, 14, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. Colt Gray, 14, a student at the school, was arrested and charged with murder. Authorities confirmed that Gray will be prosecuted as an adult. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported that the suspect used an AR-style rifle, and an investigation is ongoing to determine how the weapon was obtained and brought into the school. Nine individuals, including eight students and one teacher, were hospitalised with injuries that were not life-threatening, GBI Director Chris Hosey said The shooting prompted a lockdown of schools across Barrow County as a precaution. Community reacts Barrow County Sheriff, Jud Smith, emphasised the gravity of the situation, calling it “an evil thing.” “This...

 The Executive Vice President of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (Downstream), Adedapo Segun, has emphasised the need for a perfectly competitive market to ensure stable fuel prices and supply in Nigeria. He expressed concern that the current pump price does not accurately reflect prevailing market conditions. Segun made this statement during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday. “The pump price today is not market reflective. NNPCL is the sole importer of PMS in the country, which is abnormal. We should be moving towards a situation where the free market determines prices,” he said, stressing that market forces, rather than any single entity, should dictate fuel prices. Segun clarified that NNPCL’s role as the sole importer of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was not a deliberate choice by the company but a response to market Let me put it in the proper context. NNPCL is not a regulator. We didn’t choose to be the sole importer. We don’t determine ...