Over 20 Feared Dead In Three Different Shipwrecks Off Italy

Published

12 months ago

April 24, 2023

More than 20 people are feared drowned in three different shipwrecks within 24 hours, Italy’s coastguard said Monday, as good weather prompted fresh attempts at the perilous sea crossing from Africa.

Survivors from one boat that went down in Malta’s search and rescue area told officials about 20 people on board were missing, a coastguard statement said.

Three people had been reported missing earlier after another shipwreck in Italian waters about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the island of Lampedusa.

A body was later recovered from a third boat that sank in Malta’s waters.

All three boats were intercepted by Italian authorities Sunday night and Monday, when 1,200 people were rescued and brought to Lampedusa, the coastguard said.

“During last night and up until now, 35 boats have been rescued from the Tunisian route alone,” it said, adding that around 20 more vessels remained at sea.

– Stabilise Tunisia –
Tunisia, with a coastline less than 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Lampedusa, is a favoured stepping stone for migrants attempting the Mediterranean crossing.

The flow of African migrants has intensified since President Kais Saied made a fiery speech on February 21 claiming illegal immigration was a demographic threat to Tunisia.

The North African country is in the grip of a long, worsening economic crisis that has pushed many of its citizens to take desperate measures in search of better lives abroad.

Chiara Cardoletti, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) representative for Italy, had confirmed the numbers missing at sea, offering condolences to their families.

On Twitter, she called for urgent action to “stabilise the situation in Tunisia, to reduce the reasons that drive so many people to risk their lives at sea”.

Survivors of the shipwreck in which 20 people were feared drowned said six minors had been aboard their seven-metre-long boat, which was rescued by a fishing vessel, the Repubblica daily reported.

Those saved hailed from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, the Ivory Coast and Sudan, and had paid between 500 and 600 euros ($650) for the crossing, the Stampa daily said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s new hard-right government took office in October promising to stop the boat landings.

But the numbers of people crossing the central Mediterranean have soared in recent months.

Over 36,000 people have arrived by sea in Italy this year, compared to some 9,000 in the same period last year, according to the Italian interior ministry.

Lampedusa is the first landing point for many new arrivals, but its migrant centre, built for under 400 people, is regularly overwhelmed.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recorded 537 deaths or disappearances in the central Mediterranean — the world’s most dangerous crossing — so far this year.

‘Back To Sender’ – Nicki Minaj Throws Object Back To Fan On Stage [VIDEO]

Published

10 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

Nicki Minaj’s latest show has gone viral due to an unexpected incident that occured mid-show.

The rapper has been busy of late, making her way across North America on her eagerly anticipated Pink Friday 2 world tour.

So far, her performances have been nothing short of impressive, with the femcee delivering hit after hit. She’s also been joined by several celebrity guests like 50 Cent, Tyga, JT, and many more.

During a recent show, someone threw an object at her while she was performing “Starships.”

In a clip from the shocking moment, the object nearly hits her in the head. Luckily, it just missed her, though it did leave her visibly irritated.

Looking outraged, Nicki picked the item up off the ground and threw it back into the crowd.

It’s unclear what exactly the object was. It has also not been confirmed whether or not anybody was hit after the rapper threw it.

However, most fans agree that she was justified to throw the object back.

Watch video below.

https://x.com/WORLDSTAR/status/1782167433916145710?s=08

Edo Guber: Labour Party Faults INEC Final List

Published

12 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has faulted the final list as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, in the final list released today, April 22, named Oluyinka Faith Alufohai as running mate to Olumide Akpata rather than Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, (SAN).

Recall that on the 19th of April, 2024, INFO DAILY reported that Labour Party governorship candidate in the September 21st gubernatorial election, Olumide Akpata dropped Oluyinka Faith Alufohai and picked Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN as his running mate.

A press statement signed by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, the state chairman of the party, and made available to newsmen in Benin City, assured party members and supporters that “this is simply a technical error”.

Comrade Ogbaloi, said, “Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Alhaji Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window.

“Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the end of the National Headquarters of our party during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list.

“We are currently actively engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately and our team has provided all requisite documentation demonstrating Alhaji Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following-up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates its candidate list with the accurate information.

“We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision.

“Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent.

He further said: “The Labour Party is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship elections fairly and transparently.

“We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum.

“Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.”

News

IGP Faults Creation Of State Police

Published

13 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has faulted the state Police bill, stating that Nigeria is not mature for state police.

Egbetokun spoke on Monday at a national dialogue on state police organised by the Nigerian’s House of Representatives in Intercontinental Hotel, former Sheraton Hotel in Abuja

The theme of the dialogue is ‘Pathways to Peace: Re-imagining Policing in Nigeria’.

The IGP who was Represented by Ben Okolo, an assistant Inspector-General of Police, said Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force.

“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria police force that Nigeria is yet to mature for the establishment of state-controlled police,” he said.

According to him, “There have been renewed calls for the establishment of state police following an uptick in kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across the country.

He said, “On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to explore the creation of state police, amid the spate of insecurity in the country.

“On February 20, a bill to establish state police passed second reading at the house of representatives.

The IGP said rather than create state police, the challenges mitigating against effective policing in Nigeria should be addressed.

He went further, listed some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, communication equipment, drones, aerial surveillance cameras, security surveillance helicopters, armoured vehicles, and inadequate training of personnel.

State Police must be well funded if we must have them – Abdulsalam
He continued, “These challenges have impacted negatively on the performance of police personnel. He also said state police is open to abuse from powerful state governors.

The IGP also noted that, there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership. State governors could use the police force under their control for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security,” he said.

“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.”

The IGP therefore proposed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should be merged to become a department in the police.

“In view of this, the police leadership recommended the above instead of creating state police,” he said.

He said the recruitment of police personnel into the force should be increased by at least 30,000 annually to meet the minimum policing standard of the United Nations.

Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs

Egbetokun’s stance contrasted with that of Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, who backed the establishment of state police.

In his speech, the Minister of Police affairs, Sen. Gaidam, who spoke at the event, said a more decentralised police force will help tackle rising insecurity in the country.

“It is clearly imperative to come together to discuss this critical issues and work towards finding sustainable solutions that will ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“As we gather here today our objective is clear, to explore ways and means of addressing these issues including the possibility of establishing the state police force to combat the crises. Am here to highlight the merits and challenges of implementing state police in Nigeria. I will emphasize that state police can enhance local exclusiveness.