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Xenophobia: FG To Repatriate Over 1,000 Nigerians From South Africa

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Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says more than 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa have undergone screening for voluntary repatriation being facilitated by the Federal Government.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

Dabiri-Erewa said the screening was being conducted jointly by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.

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READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Embassy In South Africa Disconnected Over Unpaid Electricity Bill

According to her, Saturday marked the third day of the exercise for Nigerians intending to voluntarily return home from South Africa.

The turnout at the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria has been truly impressive.

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“The screening started early on Saturday, and Nigerians came out in large numbers to participate in the process.

“In spite of the emotional atmosphere surrounding the prevailing tensions and uncertainty, the exercise has been smooth, peaceful, organised, and highly professional under the supervision of the Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Amb. Olatunde Ajayi.

READ ALSO: South African Ambassador Found Dead Outside Paris Hotel

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More than 1,000 Nigerians have registered for the voluntary evacuation, and many more are registering.

“All things being equal, the flights are expected to commence next week through Air Peace, as President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for that purpose,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa added that five flights are expected to be deployed for the repatriation, with the first batch of evacuees scheduled to depart for Nigeria next week.

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NAN reports that the repatriation of Nigerians is coming amid safety concerns of foreign nationals following recent anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa.

 

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Gunmen Shoot 12 People Near Ohio Festival In US

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At least 12 people were injured in a shooting near a community festival in the US state of Ohio, prompting a police search for those responsible.

The incident occurred on Saturday near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, according to the Toledo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 5:37 p.m. local time near the festival grounds.

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In an update, authorities said 10 of the victims were in stable condition, while two remained in critical condition.

READ ALSO:US Plans To Use Frozen Iranian Assets To Compensate Gulf Allies

Speaking on the incident, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe said preliminary investigations suggest the shooting involved two individuals.

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It appeared that two people fired weapons and they were probably shooting at each other,” he said, adding that the victims range in age from 16 to 61 years.

Earlier, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local broadcaster WTOL 11 that all of the victims were expected to survive.

The Old West End Festival is a two-day annual event that celebrates one of the largest historic districts in the United States. Activities include live music, food vendors, shopping, house tours, and other community attractions.

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READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Agatu Community, Kill Traditional Ruler, Wife, Others

Police said investigators are focusing on the area around Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, where festival activities were taking place.

Videos shared on social media appeared to show festival attendees running for safety as multiple gunshots rang out. Other footage showed emergency responders attending to injured individuals and transporting some victims on stretchers. The videos have not been independently verified.

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Reacting to the incident, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed concern and offered support to those affected.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Open Fire On Ogoni Monarch In Rivers

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” he said.

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Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence. Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”

Police have not announced any arrests and continue to search for the suspects.

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US Plans To Use Frozen Iranian Assets To Compensate Gulf Allies

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The United States (US) Treasury Department is considering the use of frozen Iranian assets to help Gulf allies recover from damage linked to attacks by Iran during the ongoing conflict, according to a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s position.

The source told CBS News on Saturday that the Treasury intends to explore all available legal authorities to make Iranian assets accessible for rebuilding and repair efforts related to any future damage caused by Tehran.

According to the source, Bessent has directed the Treasury Department to obtain detailed estimates from Gulf allies on the costs of repairing damage attributed to Iran since the conflict began.

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READ ALSO:Strait Of Hormuz: Pakistan Thanks Trump For Pausing ‘Project Freedom’

The department is also assessing whether Iranian assets could be used to fund repairs for damage already sustained by Gulf countries during the war.

The source, however, said it remains unclear which specific Iranian assets could be utilised. These could include frozen cash held in foreign bank accounts or physical assets such as oil tankers.

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The development comes as indirect peace talks between the United States and Iran continue.

READ ALSO: I Have To Be Involved In Choosing Iran’s Next Leader – Trump

Iran has maintained that any agreement would require the removal of sanctions and the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets frozen abroad.

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Since the conflict erupted in late February, Iran has carried out intermittent missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

The reported Treasury proposal signals a possible shift in how the United States may seek to address the financial impact of the conflict on its regional partners while discussions with Tehran continue.

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Lucky Lotto Player Scoops £12m Jackpot In UK

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National Lottery player in the United Kingdom (UK) has won Saturday’s £12 million Lotto jackpot, becoming the latest multi-millionaire created by the popular draw.

Lottery organisers said the winning ticket matched all six numbers in the draw, while urging players across the country to check their tickets to see if they are the jackpot winner.

The winning Lotto numbers were 08, 10, 26, 30, 35 and 42, while the bonus number was 50.

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With the jackpot claimed, the estimated top prize for the next Lotto draw on Wednesday stands at £2 million.

READ ALSO: White House Releases Trump’s Annual Health Report

Apart from the jackpot winner, one player matched five numbers and the bonus number to win £1 million. Another 140 players matched five numbers, earning £1,750 each.

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In the Lotto HotPicks draw, which uses the same numbers as the main Lotto game, no player matched all five numbers required to win the £350,000 top prize. However, 10 players matched four numbers and each received £13,000.

For the Thunderball draw, the winning numbers were 06, 11, 25, 29 and 37, with the Thunderball number also 06.

No player matched all five numbers plus the Thunderball to claim the £500,000 top prize. However, three players matched the five main numbers and won £5,000 each.

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READ ALSO:Trump Warns Iran Against Attack, Threatens ‘Force Never Seen Before’

Commenting on the result, senior winners’ adviser at Allwyn, Andy Carter, said:

Wow, the nation’s millionaire maker, Lotto, has made its third jackpot winner in the space of just two weeks, as one lucky ticket holder has scooped tonight’s £12 million ‘Must Be Won’ Lotto jackpot prize. This adds another millionaire to the other 63 Lotto millionaires made in 2026 so far. Check your tickets and get in touch if you think you might be tonight’s lucky winner.

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“And that’s not all—next Wednesday (June 10) sees the launch of the brand-new Lotto game, bringing players two chances to win with every ticket. Every £2 line will automatically be entered into two separate rounds each draw night, with no change to the way you play. Tickets go on sale this Sunday, June 7, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the very first draw of the all-new Lotto game.

READ ALSO: ‘Completely Wrong,’ UK’s Starmer Slams Trump’s 10% Tariff Over Greenland Push

“Playing any National Lottery game is about so much more than the chance to celebrate a big win. Every week, players help raise around £33 million for good cause projects that make a real difference to communities across the UK.”

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The latest jackpot win marks the third Lotto jackpot claimed within two weeks, according to lottery officials.

The National Lottery also used the occasion to promote its upcoming game changes, which will give players two chances to win from a single Lotto entry beginning with the June 10 draw.

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