Nor’easter Kills One, Floods NY and New Jersey

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September 28, 2026

Flooded streets in New York during a powerful nor’easter and high tide — Coastal flooding affects parts of New York as strong winds and high tides batter the region.

A powerful nor’easter that swept the northeastern United States over the weekend has killed at least one person, flooded coastal towns, knocked out power to more than 100,000 homes and upended travel and entertainment plans across the region.

Floodwater covers streets and homes in a New Jersey coastal community during a nor’easter storm. — Floodwaters inundate streets in a New Jersey coastal community as a powerful nor’easter sweeps the US Northeast

The storm brought “dangerous coastal flooding and beach conditions, strong winds and heavy rainfall” from Virginia to Maine, the US National Weather Service said, with New York City and Boston among the worst hit. States of emergency were declared in New York and New Jersey.

In East New York, Brooklyn, 56‑year‑old Leighton Brown, an employee of the New York City Housing Authority, was killed on Saturday afternoon when a tree fell on him as he walked through a parking lot near a NYCHA complex on Euclid Avenue, working an extra shift. He was pronounced dead at hospital. “We mourn deeply for the loss of Leighton Brown… known for his warm personality,” the city’s Public Advocate said. A man reported missing after swimming off Fire Island was later found unharmed.

Power cuts peaked at roughly 136,000 customers across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Sunday morning, falling to about 82,000 by late afternoon as crews worked, according to PowerOutage.us; some outlets reported higher figures earlier in the event. Monmouth County, New Jersey, and Suffolk County on Long Island were worst hit. More than 2,400 flights were delayed and about 1,200 cancelled on Saturday, per FlightAware.

Seawater floods roads and homes in New Jersey during the nor’easter — High tides push seawater into New Jersey communities, flooding roads and residential areas

An unusually high full‑moon tide pushed seawater through Surf City and Manasquan in New Jersey, submerging streets and homes. New York officials warned of gusts up to 55mph (86km/h). Mayor Zohran Mamdani told residents: “Don’t travel if you don’t have to… Do not drive or walk through floodwater.” FEMA said its regional coordination centres were at an “enhanced posture.”

The storm also emptied stadiums and stages: the Red Sox–Cubs game moved to Florida, Red Bull New York’s match against St Louis City SC was cancelled, the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park — set to feature Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and John Legend — was called off, and Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium concert near Boston was scrapped for safety reasons. Forecasters expected the system to ease on Sunday and drift away by late Monday.

Nations League Weekend Review: Spain Edge England, Greece Stun Germany

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 28, 2026

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pain beat England as Greece shock Germany in latest Nations League results — Spain defeated England 3-2 while Greece stunned Germany 1-0 in a dramatic round of UEFA Nations League matches.

Matchday 1 wrapped up on Saturday and Matchday 2 began on Sunday, and both days produced results that will shape the groups. Spain beat England again, Portugal kept their perfect start, and Greece stunned Germany. Here are the biggest fixtures.

England 2-3 Spain

England vs Spain Nations League match as Spain secure a 3-2 win at Wembley — Spain defeated England 3-2 at Wembley in a dramatic UEFA Nations League clash.

This was the game of the weekend. Lamine Yamal put Spain ahead early, Anthony Gordon equalised, and Harry Kane’s goal gave England a 2-1 lead at the break. The turning point came in the second half, when Kane missed a penalty that would have put England in control.
Spain took over from there. Álex Baena equalised and then set up Mikel Oyarzabal for the winner in the 74th minute. Oyarzabal has now scored the decisive goal against England more than once. The reigning world champions leave Wembley with the points, and England now face a quick turnaround away to Czechia on Tuesday.

Norway 1-2 Portugal

Portugal kept their 100% record with a win in Oslo, following their 1-0 win over Wales on Thursday. The defending champions had to work for it against a Norway side led by Erling Haaland, who came into the game as joint top scorer in the competition.
Norway beat Denmark 3-2 on Thursday but have now lost their second game in a row. Portugal look like early favourites in Group A4.

Germany 0-1 Greece

Greece were the big surprise of the weekend. After beating Serbia on Thursday, they went on to defeat Germany, which gives them six points from two games. Germany began with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands and are still looking for their first win in Group A2. They will need to improve quickly when they host Serbia on Thursday.

Greece defeat Germany 1-0 in UEFA Nations League clash — Greece stunned Germany with a 1-0 victory to maintain their perfect start in the UEFA Nations League.

Serbia 1-2 Netherlands

The Netherlands took the lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour, converted by an AZ Alkmaar forward after a foul on Crysencio Summerville. Luka Jović equalised for Serbia within a minute of coming on at half-time. The Dutch found the winner and took the points from Belgrade. They sit on four points, level with no one, and second behind Greece in the group.

Also Worth a Mention

Croatia beat Czechia 2-1 in Slaven Bilić’s opening game as coach, and Denmark bounced back to beat Wales 2-0. Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo scored the competition’s first hat-trick in a 7-0 win over San Marino.

What’s Next

Belgium v France and Türkiye v Italy are today, and the Group A3 pair of Czechia v England and Spain v Croatia are on Tuesday.

Pope Leo XIV: Root Out Abuse “Scourge” At Lourdes

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September 28, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV standing in the white pope mobile and waving to a dense crowd of pilgrims holding flags at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes — The Pope greets well‑wishers along the Champs‑Élysées during his pope mobile procession in Paris

Speaking privately to France’s Catholic bishops at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV urged “the greatest vigilance” against clergy sexual abuse — then sat down with seven French survivors who described the encounter as “extraordinary.”

Pope Leo XIV has pressed France’s senior Catholic leaders to finish the work of rooting out the “scourge” of sexual abuse, during a closed‑door meeting with bishops at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France on the third day of his four‑day state visit.

Pope Leo XIV standing in the white pope mobile and waving to a dense crowd of pilgrims holding flags at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France. — Pope Leo XIV blesses pilgrims from the pope mobile at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

“You have faced with determination the painful scourge of abuse of minors committed by members of the clergy or within an ecclesial context,” the Pope told the bishops, according to remarks released to reporters. “It is important to persevere along the path you have begun, maintaining the greatest vigilance.”

Hours later, Leo met seven survivors of clergy abuse in France — four men and three women. The Vatican said he “thanked them for their painful testimony and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the harm they experienced is not repeated for others.” Jean‑Marie Delbos, one of the survivors, told a news conference the Pope had listened and was briefed on their individual cases. “I never thought I would have a Pope before me,” he said.

Before the bishop meeting, the Pope celebrated Mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at Lourdes, the grotto shrine associated with reported miraculous cures — and, increasingly, with healing for abuse survivors. Reporters covering the trip say he also carried a message on protecting life, opposing euthanasia and medically assisted dying, a live policy debate in France.

A white open‑topped pope mobile moves down a broad Paris avenue lined with cheering crowds behind barriers, the Pope standing and waving. — The Pope greets well‑wishers along the Champs‑Élysées during his pope mobile procession in Paris

The Lourdes leg followed a sprawling open‑air Mass at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on Saturday, which the Vatican estimated at 700,000 people, with some organisers’ figures nearer 800,000, and a pope mobile procession down the Champs‑Élysées. Leo told worshippers not to keep their faith to themselves but to “let it overflow so that those you meet may be refreshed,” and told young people they are “today’s Church.” He met President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

The visit lands against a stark backdrop: a 2021 independent commission found roughly 330,000 children were abused by clergy or Church‑affiliated laypeople in France over 70 years. Regular churchgoing has collapsed from about 35% of the population in 1960 to under 5% today, and the priesthood has shrunk from 25,000 in 1990 to fewer than 9,000. Yet, adult baptisms more than doubled in five years, reaching about 10,000 in 2025 — a sign of a complicated, reviving religious curiosity.

LASTMA Impounded Vehicles Lagos Enforcement

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 28, 2026

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LASTMA impounded vehicles Lagos enforcement operation in Lagos — LASTMA impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a Lagos enforcement operation targeting traffic violations.

The LASTMA impounded vehicles Lagos enforcement operation has led to the seizure of 84 commercial and private vehicles over alleged traffic violations across several parts of the state.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said the weekend operation targeted motorists involved in one-way driving, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.

The vehicles were impounded around Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, areas identified by the agency as traffic flashpoints.

LASTMA impounded vehicles Lagos enforcement operation targeting traffic violations — LASTMA impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a Lagos enforcement operation targeting one-way driving, illegal parking and other traffic violations.

Why LASTMA impounded 84 vehicles in Lagos

LASTMA said the enforcement was carried out to restore traffic order and improve compliance with Lagos State traffic regulations.

According to the agency, repeated violations by some motorists and commercial bus operators have affected traffic flow and created safety risks for other road users.

One major concern highlighted by LASTMA was the practice of some commercial buses reversing against traffic on the one-way stretch from Iddo towards Idumota through Carter Bridge.

The agency warned that motorists approaching the area may not expect vehicles to be moving against the approved direction of traffic, increasing the risk of collisions.

LASTMA impounded vehicles Lagos enforcement targets illegal parking

The LASTMA impounded vehicles Lagos enforcement exercise also targeted illegal parking and unauthorised garages.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki said transport operators and commercial drivers had previously been warned against converting under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other public areas into garages.

According to LASTMA, such activities can obstruct traffic and create safety problems for motorists, commuters and pedestrians.

The agency also warned against indiscriminate passenger loading and vehicle repairs in areas not designated for those activities.

LASTMA officials attacked during enforcement

The enforcement operation also faced resistance in some locations.

LASTMA said some of its personnel were assaulted and injured while carrying out the operation.

The agency added that some people accused of attacking its officials and damaging operational vehicles were apprehended.

Bakare-Oki said the attacks would not stop the agency from enforcing traffic regulations across Lagos.

Lagos drivers warned against one-way driving

LASTMA has warned commercial and private motorists to avoid driving against traffic, illegal parking and indiscriminate loading.

The agency also cautioned transport unions and commercial bus operators against occupying bridges, under-bridge spaces and other unauthorised locations.

Lagos drivers warned against one-way driving during LASTMA enforcement — LASTMA has warned Lagos drivers against one-way driving as enforcement continues against traffic violations across the state.

According to LASTMA, motorists who continue to violate traffic regulations could face further enforcement measures under Lagos State traffic laws.

What motorists should know

The latest LASTMA impounded vehicles Lagos enforcement operation means motorists should pay closer attention to traffic regulations, particularly around busy Lagos corridors.

Drivers around Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain, Onipanu and other traffic hotspots should avoid:

* Driving or reversing against traffic

* Illegal roadside parking

* Indiscriminate passenger loading

* Using unauthorised areas as motor parks

* Parking or repairing vehicles under bridges

LASTMA says its enforcement campaign will continue as part of efforts to improve road safety and keep major traffic corridors open.

Atiku Urges Tinubu wages Increase

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 28, 2026

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Atiku urges Tinubu wage increase over Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage — Atiku urges Tinubu wage increase as pressure grows over Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage and rising cost of living.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to increase Nigeria’s minimum wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 wage has been weakened by rising fuel, food, transport and housing costs.

The renewed call adds to the growing debate over workers’ purchasing power and whether the national minimum wage still reflects Nigeria’s current cost of living. Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on September 27 through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku urges Tinubu wage increase amid concerns over Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage — Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a wage increase as concerns grow over the purchasing power of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage.

Why Atiku urges Tinubu wage increase

Atiku said the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 had not sufficiently protected workers from higher living costs.

He pointed particularly to petrol prices, arguing that at ₦1,400 per litre, a worker earning ₦70,000 monthly could buy only about 50 litres of petrol.

According to Atiku, the pressure does not end at filling stations because transport and energy costs also affect food prices, school expenses and other household spending.

₦70,000 minimum wage faces fresh scrutiny

Nigeria adopted the ₦70,000 national minimum wage in 2024 following negotiations involving the Federal Government and organised labour.

President Tinubu approved the ₦70,000 benchmark in July 2024 and said the wage would be reviewed after three years rather than five. The government said the adjustment was intended to provide relief to Nigerian workers amid difficult economic conditions.

₦70,000 minimum wage faces fresh scrutiny as Nigerians struggle with rising living costs — Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage is facing renewed scrutiny as workers and political leaders question whether it still reflects the current cost of living.

However, recent increases in living costs have revived calls for another review.

Civil servants have also recently asked the Federal Government to consider a wage award and begin negotiations toward a new national minimum wage ahead of January 2027.

Atiku questions workers’ purchasing power

Atiku based much of his argument on purchasing power rather than the size of workers’ salaries alone.

He compared the present situation with April 2023, when he said the ₦30,000 minimum wage could buy roughly 118 litres of petrol at an average price of ₦254.06 per litre.

By contrast, he argued that ₦70,000 would buy around 50 litres at a petrol price of ₦1,400 per litre.

His argument is that while the nominal value of the minimum wage has increased, the amount of essential goods and services workers can purchase with it has declined.

What Atiku wants Tinubu to do

Atiku called on the Federal Government to agree to what he described as a substantial increase in the minimum wage that reflects the cost of food, transportation, rent and power.

He also said raising salaries alone would not solve the problem unless measures were taken to reduce broader living costs.

Atiku further said that if elected president in 2027, his administration would begin work on raising the wage floor from its first day in office. He also proposed measures aimed at supporting domestic production and reducing cost pressures. These remain campaign proposals.

Minimum wage debate grows ahead of 2027

The latest intervention comes as wages and the cost of living remain major economic issues in Nigeria.

The Tinubu administration has previously maintained that the ₦70,000 minimum wage was reached following negotiations with labour and other stakeholders, while also committing to a shorter review cycle.

Atiku’s call now adds another political dimension to the debate as workers, labour representatives and government officials continue discussions over income and living costs.

For Nigerian workers, the central question remains whether future wage adjustments can keep pace with the prices of food, fuel, transport, housing and other essential needs.

Why Chinda Ogundu Is Drawing Attention in Rivers Politics

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 28, 2026

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kingsley Ogundu Chinda, APC governorship candidate for rivers state 2027 — Kingsley Ogundu Chinda emerged as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 election.

Chinda Ogundu has attracted renewed attention as political and legal developments surrounding the Rivers State governorship race ahead of the 2027 general election continue to generate discussion.

Better known by his full name, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, the federal lawmaker is the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State and a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

But who is Chinda Ogundu, and why is his name drawing attention?

Chinda Ogundu amid renewed attention in Rivers State politics — Chinda Ogundu has drawn renewed attention as political developments surrounding the Rivers State governorship race continue ahead of the 2027 election.

Who is Chinda Ogundu?

Kingsley Ogundu Chinda is a Nigerian lawyer, politician and member of the House of Representatives representing the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State.

Born on March 24, 1966, Chinda studied law at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, before attending the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995.

Before entering the National Assembly, Chinda served in several political and public positions, including as Rivers State Commissioner for Environment. (Vote APC Nigeria)

Chinda Ogundu and the Rivers governorship race

Chinda emerged as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State on May 21, 2026.

He was returned unopposed after other aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and George-Kelly, withdrew from the contest.

The returning officer for the primary announced that Chinda received 268,497 affirmation votes across the state. (Premium Times)

His emergence marked a major shift in his political career.

Chinda had previously been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and served as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

On June 2, his resignation as Minority Leader and defection from the PDP to the APC were formally announced during plenary by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. (Premium Times)

Why is Chinda Ogundu trending?

Renewed attention around Chinda comes amid questions being raised over the legal status of his APC governorship nomination.

On September 27, the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners reportedly asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to review Chinda’s nomination following a recent Supreme Court judgment dealing with provisions of the Electoral Act and political-party membership registers.

The association is involved in a Federal High Court case concerning Chinda’s nomination and has asked INEC, the APC and other parties to examine the implications of the judgment. (Newsdesk Africa)

Some online reports have interpreted the Supreme Court decision as automatically invalidating Chinda’s governorship ticket.

However, available reporting indicates that the Supreme Court judgment did not specifically nullify Chinda’s candidacy, while the Rivers APC has maintained that he remains its governorship candidate.

The legal implications of the judgment therefore remain an issue of dispute rather than a confirmed cancellation of his ticket. (Headline News)

Chinda begins Rivers 2027 campaign

The controversy comes shortly after Chinda formally began campaigning for the Rivers governorship election.

On September 9, Chinda announced the start of his campaign and said he would serve Rivers State with what he described as the “fear of God and love for mankind” if elected.

His campaign follows his emergence as the APC candidate in May and the continuing realignment of political forces in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 election. (TheCable)

What happens next for Chinda Ogundu?

Attention is now expected to remain on the legal questions surrounding the APC nomination process, any response from INEC and developments in the pending court proceedings.

For voters and political observers, the controversy adds another dimension to the Rivers State governorship contest as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election.

With Chinda Ogundu already campaigning as the APC candidate, further legal and political developments surrounding his nomination are likely to keep his name in the spotlight.

Iran Pushes Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Peace Plan

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 28, 2026

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Iran says only a negotiated solution can end its conflict with the United States

Iran says diplomacy remains the only way to resolve its conflict with the United States and Israel, after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt regional fighting.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran’s conditions for reopening the strategic waterway remained unchanged.

“Our conditions are clear, and any move toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on these conditions being met,” Araqchi said.

He added: “Only a negotiated solution can get them out of this deadlock.”

Trump Rejects Iranian Proposal

Iran presented its peace proposal during the UN General Assembly in New York, with the plan transmitted to Washington through Qatari mediators.

Trump said he had rejected the proposal, arguing that Iran was seeking an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz because of mounting pressure on the country.

“They want to make a deal to open the Hormuz Strait immediately because they’re losing so badly,” Trump told reporters.

President Donald Trump speaks at the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2018. He defended America’s sovereignty throughout. John Moore/Getty Images

Despite rejecting the proposal, Trump has said US negotiators are expected to hold further talks with Iran this week.

Araqchi said Iranian officials were still waiting for the mediators to formally communicate Washington’s position.

“We are waiting for the mediators to convey the definitive views to us, and we will make a decision based on them,” he said.

What Iran Proposed

The Iranian proposal would trigger a seven-day process leading to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a pause in regional fighting.

If Washington accepted the plan, the two sides could then begin wider negotiations on issues including Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has linked the reopening of the waterway to conditions including a reduction in US military pressure and changes to the economic blockade imposed on Tehran.

US envoy to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump rejected the proposal because, according to Washington, Iran was seeking the immediate lifting of sanctions and release of frozen assets before broader negotiations.

Waltz also said Trump was not convinced that Tehran was prepared to negotiate an end to its nuclear programme.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, said Tehran remained prepared for talks on its nuclear programme and other issues, but would not accept what he described as “bullying or coercion.”

Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical

The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz has become central to the conflict because of its importance to global energy supplies.

The conflict has disrupted shipping through the waterway and affected oil flows, with the economic consequences extending beyond the Middle East. Reuters reported that crude exports from key Middle Eastern producers have begun recovering, while shipments through Hormuz were expected to reach about 7.4 million barrels per day in September.

An Iranian woman shouts during a march in Tehran, Iran, September 25, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Oil markets remain particularly sensitive to developments around the strait because any further disruption could affect global energy supplies and prices.

Saudi Arabia Drawn Deeper Into Conflict

The conflict has also expanded across the region.

Saudi Arabia has faced attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, while the Houthis have advanced against Saudi-backed forces.

In Saudi Arabia, some schools shifted to remote learning for a week amid the latest security concerns, according to people who received notices cited by Reuters.

In Yemen, Houthi authorities said a strike on shops at a market in Taiz province killed seven people and injured 40, including children. Yemen’s internationally recognised government later said its forces had targeted a Houthi military camp and vehicles in the area.

The latest developments come after months of fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel, with repeated attempts at diplomacy failing to produce a lasting settlement.

For now, Tehran is insisting on negotiations, while Washington remains opposed to the terms of Iran’s latest proposal. The next round of mediated talks could determine whether the two sides can narrow their differences over Hormuz, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and the wider regional conflict.

Dangote Backs $660m Ethiopia-Djibouti Fuel Pipeline

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 28, 2026

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Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is helping fund a $660 million fuel pipeline linking Ethiopia and Djibouti, in a project expected to reshape fuel transportation and strengthen energy security in the region.

The project will involve a 120km pipeline connecting Djibouti’s Damerjog port to a fuel distribution facility in Dewele, Ethiopia.

It will also include storage facilities capable of holding about 400 million litres of petroleum products.

The pipeline is expected to begin operations within 18 months.

Fuel Transport Time to Fall From Five Days to One

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the project is expected to significantly reduce the time needed to move fuel from Djibouti’s port to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

R-L: Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopian prime minister, Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, and Djibouti President Ismaïl Guelleh at the project groundbreaking ceremony in Djibouti

The journey currently takes about five days, but the new pipeline is expected to cut that to one day.

The first phase will transport key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and jet fuel.

For landlocked Ethiopia, the project is particularly significant because the country relies heavily on Djibouti’s port for imports, including fuel.

Why the Pipeline Matters

The new infrastructure is expected to reduce pressure on existing road transportation systems and improve fuel distribution to key sectors of the Ethiopian economy.

The infrastructure is expected to reduce pressure on existing road transportation systems

Industries including transport, aviation, agriculture and construction could benefit from a more efficient fuel supply chain.

Djibouti is also expected to gain from increased port activity, job creation and additional government revenue.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dangote said the project would strengthen Ethiopia’s energy security and make its fuel supply chain more resilient.

Dangote Expands Across Africa

The Ethiopia-Djibouti pipeline adds to Dangote’s growing investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy across Africa.

Dangote Cement has production capacity of about 55 million tonnes annually, while the Dangote oil refinery in Nigeria currently has a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.

The refinery is seeking to double that capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day.

The refinery also recently listed 4.1 billion ordinary shares on the Nigerian stock exchange, with the company targeting about $1.63 billion from the share offering.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, Dangote is expected to break ground on a proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day crude oil refinery in Lamu.

The latest investment signals Dangote’s broader push to build energy and industrial infrastructure beyond Nigeria, while positioning his businesses within Africa’s growing fuel and manufacturing markets.

UPDATE: South Africa Mass Shootings Leave 28 Dead

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 27, 2026

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Gunmen set fire on vehicles as they fled the scene of a mass shooting at bar near Johannesburg

Twenty-eight people have been killed in two mass shootings hours apart in South Africa, the latest gun violence to hit the country.

Eighteen people were killed when eight gunmen stormed a bar close to Johannesburg on Saturday evening, with 14 more injured.

In a separate shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning, 10 people were killed outside an entertainment venue in a township near Cape Town and a further 11 were injured.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world and has struggled to contain gang-related gun violence in recent years. Police have not given a definitive motive for either of the latest attacks.

The victims included 13 men and four women. Police said people from Ethiopia and Lesotho were among those caught up in the attack, although most of the victims were South African.

According to Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni, the attackers opened fire outside the bar before continuing the shooting inside. They then reportedly set two vehicles on fire before fleeing the scene.

In Johannesburg, gunmen torched two vehicles after opened fire on customers at a bar

Robbery or Turf War?

Police have not established a definitive motive for the Johannesburg shooting.

Mthombeni said the initial investigation suggested robbery because personal belongings had reportedly been taken from victims.

However, police have not ruled out a possible connection to turf wars involving illegal mining groups.

Deputy provincial police commissioner Maj Gen Fred Kekana also suggested the attack could have been retaliation for a shooting last month that left one person dead and another injured.

Police said they had obtained clear images of some of the suspects and, in some cases, had identified their names.

10 Killed Near Cape Town

Hours later, another mass shooting occurred outside an entertainment venue in a township near Cape Town.

Police said 10 people were killed and another 11 injured.

Armed security forces were deployed to the scene of a mass shooting in Cape Town on Sunday morning

Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died in hospital.

No arrests had been reported in either shooting as of Sunday morning, and police had not confirmed a motive for the Cape Town attack.

Security forces were deployed around the scene as investigators began gathering evidence.

South Africa’s Gun Violence Crisis

The two attacks came just days after another shooting in Durban left 11 people dead when gunmen reportedly stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with gun violence remaining a persistent problem.

Illegal firearms are widespread, while police and authorities have linked some violent attacks to gang activity, drug trafficking and illegal mining.

The recent spate of mass shootings has renewed concerns about organised crime and the country’s ability to contain armed violence.

In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa’s democracy, society and economic development.

Earlier this year, the military was deployed alongside police in areas with some of the country’s highest murder rates as part of efforts to tackle violent crime.

The latest shootings have now placed renewed attention on South Africa’s gun violence crisis, with investigations into both attacks continuing.

NDLEA Seizes ₦3bn Opioids, Arrests Newlywed

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 27, 2026

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NDLEA operatives arrest a 25-year-old businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Portugal — NDLEA operatives arrested a 25-year-old businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Portugal.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted more than 2.55 million opioid pills valued at over ₦3 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while arresting suspected drug traffickers in raids across several states.

The major seizure was made on September 22 during a joint examination of three monitored consignments at the airport’s import shed.

NDLEA operatives recovered 2,550,000 pills of Tramaking 225mg, Tramaking 250mg and Royal Tapentadol 250mg, with a combined gross weight of 1,640.55kg.

According to the agency, the consignments originated from India and Bangladesh and were brought into Nigeria through Qatar Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.

Newlywed Arrested With Cocaine

In a separate operation at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, NDLEA operatives arrested a 25-year-old businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Portugal.

Lovely Chukwulobelu is a bridegroom who was arrested by NDLEA operatives for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Portugal

The suspect was intercepted at the departure hall on Thursday, September 25, while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa.

NDLEA said Chukwulobelu had 72 wraps of cocaine in his stomach and was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which all 72 wraps were recovered.

The agency said the suspect, who had his wedding ring on when he was arrested, recently returned to Nigeria and got married on September 13.

Lovely Chukwulobelu just got wedded and he was on his way to Europe when he was arrested by NDLEA for drug trafficking

He reportedly told NDLEA investigators that he previously operated a car decoration business around the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.

According to the agency, he claimed he became involved in the alleged drug trafficking in an attempt to offset expenses incurred during his wedding.

NDLEA Targets Cross-Border Drug Networks

The seizures form part of wider NDLEA operations targeting drug trafficking and cross-border movement of illicit substances.

The agency said its recent operations also involved arrests and seizures in Lagos, Oyo, Edo and Bauchi, including suspected traffickers operating across state and international borders.

The latest airport seizures highlight the continuing use of international cargo and passenger routes in attempts to move controlled substances into and out of Nigeria.

NDLEA said its operatives remain focused on disrupting both the supply chains bringing illicit drugs into the country and trafficking networks moving them across borders.

The agency’s latest operations come amid continued concerns over the availability of opioids and other controlled substances in Nigeria, particularly through illicit trafficking channels.