The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has begun a probe into a viral video showing Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic who alleged they were abandoned and mistreated.
In the video, which emerged last Thursday, the miners said they were recruited by a Chinese mining company but were later deserted, had their passports seized, and faced harsh treatment.
The workers urged Nigerians to help amplify their voices and draw attention to what they were going through.
They stated they were stranded in Senye, a village in the Bambari region of CAR.
In response, Committee Chairman Jaafaru Yakubu, in a statement released on Wednesday, showed concern over the incident.
“The committee regrets the unfortunate situation the Nigerian workers are being subjected to in CAR and assures that a comprehensive investigation is currently ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to their ordeal,” Yakubu noted.
The statement also touched on the involvement of Abdulrauf Ademola, the businessman mentioned in the video.
The committee said Ademola had denied all the accusations of seizing passports, withholding pay, and abandoning the workers.
It also advised the public not to link Ademola’s alleged actions with credible Chinese businesses in Nigeria.
“It is also important to state that Abdulrauf Ademola, the businessman who allegedly abandoned the Nigerians in CAR, had issued a statement refuting the allegations made by the workers who accused him of passport seizure, unpaid salaries, and abandonment in the widely circulated video.
“The committee wishes to inform the general public that Abdulrauf Ademola is not affiliated with the Chinese Embassy or the China General Chamber of Commerce, and his actions or inactions should not be linked to the embassy or Chinese enterprises doing their legitimate businesses in Nigeria,” it said.
Yakubu also used the moment to reaffirm the strong relationship between China and Nigeria, while urging the media and public to ensure balanced and accurate reporting.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government confirmed on Tuesday that the stranded workers had been rescued.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said, “Stranded Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.
“A very big commendation to the staff of the Embassy and the Government of the Central African Republic for the successful operation.”
Additionally, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, stated, “The stranded Nigerians in the Central African Republic have finally arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui.
“It will be recalled that through a viral video, some Nigerian miners called for help, and there was immediate intervention and swift response of officials of the Nigerian Embassy and CAR security who accompanied them from their location to the capital,” the statement said.
The statement added that the embassy was now handling the workers’ welfare and planning their return to Nigeria.
“They are now in the safe hands of officials of the Nigerian Embassy, who will arrange their return home.
“They expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and staff of both countries, the Nigerian Embassy, the CAR security agencies and Nigerians who shared their stories,” the statement added.
It also disclosed that the Nigerian recruiter accused of luring the workers into the situation had been identified and is currently in Nigeria.
“The agent who lured them into the job scam is currently based in Nigeria and has been identified and is expected to be prosecuted,” the statement concluded.
Reps Committee Investigates Abandonment Of Nigerian Workers In CAR
South Africa Submits Revised Trade Proposal To U.S.
South Africa is rushing to submit an “enhanced” trade proposal in a last-ditch effort to avert a 30% tariff set to take effect on Friday, Trade Minister Parks Tau announced on Thursday.
Proposal was being prepared at the request of U.S. officials, following months of silence from Washington after South Africa’s initial submission in May and a subsequent revision in June.
“We’re having to navigate a last-minute, strengthened version of the proposal we originally submitted,” Tau said. “And to be honest, it’s a matter of waiting to see what happens.”
With the August 1 deadline fast approaching, concerns are mounting in South Africa. The country’s central bank governor has warned that the punitive tariffs could endanger up to 100,000 jobs, particularly within the agriculture and automotive sectors.
The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China. Key South African exports to the U.S. include vehicles, manufactured goods, citrus fruits, and wine.
Tau confirmed that discussions took place on Wednesday night with U.S. officials, both at the embassy in Pretoria and at the level of the U.S. Trade Representative. However, the situation remains uncertain.
“They’ve indicated that they would encourage us to resubmit, potentially with an enhanced proposal,” Tau said.
Efforts to secure a new agreement have reportedly been hampered by U.S. concerns over South Africa’s domestic affirmative action measures. A senior South African diplomat said on Tuesday that Washington’s stance on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies has posed a significant obstacle in the negotiations.
Tensions have also been heightened by South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a move strongly opposed by both Israel and the United States.
Tsunami Alerts In New Zealand And Chile After Huge Earthquake Off Russian Coast
Tsunami warnings remain in effect in New Zealand and Chile following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Russia’s Far East in the early hours of Wednesday.
Authorities in New Zealand have warned that tsunami activity rebounding from South America could result in strong and unusual sea currents persisting for up to 24 more hours.
In Chile, a country highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis, officials have declared a state of caution. Citizens have been advised to stay away from coastal areas, beaches, and to refrain from any maritime activities. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde confirmed that waves reached heights of up to 1.1 meters in several locations, with one area experiencing a surge as high as 2.5 meters.
Elsewhere in the region, tsunami alerts have been lifted in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
While the earthquake resulted in several injuries, no serious harm or significant structural damage has been reported. However, in Japan, a woman tragically lost her life when her vehicle plunged off a cliff during an evacuation to higher ground.
Adding to the geological activity, lava flows were observed from the erupting Klyuchevskoy volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula amid the ongoing tsunami warnings..
Communal Clash In Abuja Leaves One Dead, 31 Houses Destroyed
CCC
The conflict, which erupted on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, stemmed from a minor disagreement over land access that escalated into a deadly ethnic confrontation.
According to multiple sources, the incident began around 10:30 a.m. when Shaibu Adamu, a Fulani herder, attempted to pass through a farmland owned by a Gwari farmer identified as Sa’adu without livestock.
Sa’adu objected, insisting Adamu use an alternative route, leading to a heated argument that turned physical. Both men sustained minor injuries during the altercation.
The situation deteriorated when Shaibu Adamu’s elder brother, Adamu Ibrahim, allegedly attacked a Gwari resident, Dahiru Yakubu, with a machete.
Yakubu was rushed to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The news of Yakubu’s death triggered outrage among Gwari youths, who, in retaliation, stormed the Fulani settlement in Gurfata village, setting 31 houses ablaze and injuring at least three individuals.
A community elder, described the escalation: “The quarrel wouldn’t have gone far, but emotions ran high, and others began to take sides.”
The violence reignited longstanding ethnic tensions between the Fulani and Gwari communities in the village, highlighting unresolved issues over land use and access.
Security operatives, including troops from the Nigerian Army and other law enforcement agencies, were swiftly deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further violence.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has appealed for calm and urged both communities to exercise restraint.
Peace talks are currently underway to mediate between the groups and prevent further escalation, with community leaders and local authorities facilitating discussions.
The clash has left many villagers homeless, with significant property damage reported.
Residents are calling for government intervention to address the root causes of the conflict, including disputes over land rights and ethnic tensions. Authorities have promised to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure justice for the victims.
This incident follows a pattern of communal clashes in Nigeria, often triggered by disputes over resources such as farmland or grazing routes.
Analysts have urged the government to implement long-term solutions, including conflict resolution mechanisms and policies to address land use disputes, to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
FG obtains €275m For NEWMAP, Unveils Flood Insurance Scheme
The Federal Government has obtained a €275 million funding deal to fast-track the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and support broader environmental sustainability programs aimed at tackling climate change and restoring degraded land nationwide.
Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal disclosed the development during a Government–Citizens Engagement forum in Kaduna, hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation under the theme “Evaluating Campaign Promises: Strengthening Citizen–Government Dialogue for National Cohesion.”
Lawal explained that €175 million of the package is earmarked specifically for advancing NEWMAP initiatives, while the rest will be allocated to complementary green projects.
He also revealed that the government has concluded arrangements to introduce a National Flood Insurance Policy and increase the National Sovereign Green Bond to ₦250 billion to support climate-resilient infrastructure and development.
The Minister emphasized that his ministry is intensifying efforts to safeguard the environment and bolster food production, particularly across Nigeria’s northern states.
“We are advancing efforts to deploy Forest Rangers across the 19 northern states and the FCT to secure our forests and eliminate criminal activities,” he stated.
He underscored the government’s dedication to tackling desertification and expanding forest cover by planting more than 5.5 million trees under the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.
In preparation for the 2025 planting season, the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria is producing 10 million drought-tolerant seedlings.
As part of broader reforestation plans, five million date palm and 3.85 million neem seedlings are being raised for distribution across the 11 frontline states affected by desert encroachment.
To combat the southward spread of the Sahara, 175 kilometers of shelterbelts have been established in seven northern states, while 278,235 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated.
To reduce reliance on timber, the Minister also announced that the government is actively encouraging the use of bamboo as an eco-friendly alternative.
“The Bamboo Factory established in Kogi State has created over 20,000 jobs, developing a strong bamboo and rattan economy,” Lawal said.
To support eco-tourism, protect biodiversity, and generate employment, the Federal Government has assumed control of three national parks—Kampe, Marhai, and Hadejia Wetlands—while plans are underway to transfer management of four more parks in Kano, Plateau, Niger, and Katsina.
Lawal further revealed that there have been major upgrades to the country’s flood and erosion early warning infrastructure. “Our flood alert system now covers 258 communities with 90 percent accuracy, reducing loss of life and property,” he said.
He added that a total of 198 flood and erosion mitigation projects have been completed across the country, including the Jibia River Bank Protection covering 1,812 hectares, the desilting of 182,780 hectares along the Hadejia River, and the restoration of 29,622 hectares in the Nguru Wetlands.
The Minister announced that ₦12 billion has been allocated to 9,648 beneficiaries across 16 northern states through agricultural value chain programmes aimed at boosting rural livelihoods.
To enhance food security and increase farming efficiency, the government has provided tractors, fertilizers, and milling machines to farmers.
As part of efforts to embrace a circular economy, Lawal said the implementation of the Circular Economy Roadmap has created more than two million new jobs nationwide.
He also highlighted the launch of a $2.9 million Plastic Polyethylene Facility in Idu, Abuja, which currently engages 550,000 waste pickers—primarily women—earning an average monthly income of ₦75,000 across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states.
In advancing climate solutions, the government has introduced a National Clean Cooking Policy, with the goal of distributing clean cookstoves to 20 million households in northern Nigeria. This initiative is backed by a ₦50 billion Green Bond, underscoring the country’s commitment to eco-friendly growth and sustainable development.
Photos: Eight Buildings Collapse, Residents Displaced In Maiduguri Floods
- Heavy rainfall in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, triggered severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, causing the collapse of at least eight buildings and displacing residents across several communities.
The three-hour downpour, which began around 6:15 am, inundated key areas such as Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari, Gomari, Jidari, and ITE, destroying homes and property.
A resident of Bulumkutu, Ahmodu Ibrahim, described how his apartment was submerged by 8 am, forcing him and his family to flee.
“I started seeing water coming in after an hour of the rain. I immediately took my children and wife to a safe area,” he said.
Aisha Suraju, a petty trader, lost her shop’s inventory to the deluge.
Although the Borno State Police Command reported no casualties, it confirmed that the floodwaters caused the collapse of eight structures—mostly older residential buildings and informal housing.
The incident has once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather, following a similarly devastating flood in 2024, and underscored the urgent need for long-term solutions to Nigeria’s recurring flood crises.
What occurred in 2024 Maduguri floods
The 2025 floods follow a catastrophic event in September 2024, when the collapse of the Alau Dam, located in Konduga Local Government Area, inundated Maiduguri and Jere, displacing over 400,000 people and affecting more than one million.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 70% of Maiduguri was submerged, with at least 150 deaths recorded, though local estimates suggested higher casualties.
The flooding, described as the worst in 30 years, destroyed critical infrastructure, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the state secretariat, and major bridges like Gwange and Lagos Street.
The 2024 disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall and structural damage to the Alau Dam, which had previously collapsed in 1994 and 2012. The flooding also led to a prison break, with 270 inmates, including suspected Boko Haram members, escaping from a medium-security facility.
Additionally, 80% of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo perished, and dangerous animals, including crocodiles, escaped, posing further risks to residents.
Over 300,000 displaced people were registered in 30 relocation sites, many of which were overcrowded schools with inadequate sanitation, raising fears of cholera and malaria outbreaks.
NiMet and NIHSA Warnings
NiMet’s forecast of continued heavy rainfall through August 2025 has heightened concerns about further flooding in Borno and other states.
The agency warned of potential flash floods in 15 states, including Borno, between July 30 and August 1, 2025, noting that the rainy season’s peak is yet to come.
NIHSA’s broader alert for 28 states including Borno, citing rising water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers, worsened by intense rainfall and upstream water releases.
NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed called for communities to relocate to higher ground and for state governments to activate emergency plans immediately.
The agency pointed to climate-driven factors, such as intense rainfall and upstream water releases, as key contributors to the flooding risk.
These warnings echo earlier alerts in 2024, when NiMet predicted flooding risks in Bama, Damboa, and Gwoza due to continuous rainfall starting in late August.
Government Response to the incident
The Borno State government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), responded to the July 30, 2025, Maiduguri floods in Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari, and other areas.
NEMA deployed rescue teams to evacuate residents and distribute relief materials, such as food and non-food items, despite challenges from blocked roads and ongoing rainfall.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) established temporary camps to shelter displaced families and coordinated rescues with the Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Police, and State Fire Service.
The Borno State Police Command, led by Commissioner Naziru Abdulmajid, conducted damage assessments, deployed patrols to prevent looting, and provided emergency helplines (0806 807 5581, 0802 347 3293).
In 2024, Governor Babagana Zulum promised to invest in sustainable infrastructure to prevent future floods, admitting past neglect of the Alau Dam. Investigations later exposed mismanagement of funds meant for the dam’s upkeep, raising concerns about governance and accountability.
NEMA and NIHSA have emphasized the need for public awareness, clearing blocked drainage channels, reinforcing embankments to mitigate flood risks and emphasized avoiding floodwaters to prevent waterborne diseases.
The floods have deepened Maiduguri’s challenges, exacerbating displacement and economic strain in a region already scarred by conflict.
With NiMet forecasting continued heavy rainfall through August, the risk of further flooding looms, threatening food security and livelihoods.
Immediate relief efforts by NEMA, SEMA, and the police provide critical support, but long-term solutions—such as upgrading drainage systems, maintaining the Alau Dam, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure—are essential to break the cycle of devastation.
Højlund Shines as Manchester United Outclass Bournemouth in Chicago
Rasmus Højlund gave manager Ruben Amorim a timely reminder of his quality by scoring in Manchester United’s commanding 4–1 victory over Bournemouth at Soldier Field, continuing their unbeaten preseason tour in the United States.
The Danish striker opened the scoring with a deft header just eight minutes into the match, capitalizing on an excellent cross from Patrick Dorgu. His performance served as a significant statement, especially with United ramping up their search for a new centre-forward. The club is currently in advanced talks with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at over €80 million, and also maintains interest in an unnamed Aston Villa attacker.
Despite speculation surrounding his future, following a modest Premier League campaign last season with only four goals and interest from Napoli and Juventus, Højlund has made clear his intention to stay at Old Trafford. His goal against Bournemouth was another step in solidifying his place in Amorim’s plans.
Dorgu, who impressed throughout, doubled United’s lead in the 25th minute. Mason Mount quickly spotted the wing-back’s run and released him with a clever free-kick over the top. Dorgu finished with a low strike that Bournemouth’s new signing, former Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, will feel he should have done better with.
In heavy rain that swept through Chicago and forced many fans to seek cover, United continued their dominance after the break. In the 53rd minute, Amad Diallo swept home a third from inside the box. The goal may have nicked off Højlund’s foot on its way in, prompting both players to celebrate together.
While United’s attacking display impressed, the goalkeeping situation remains uncertain ahead of the season opener against Arsenal. With André Onana sidelined by a hamstring injury, veteran Tom Heaton was handed a start and staked his claim with a series of fine saves. The 39-year-old denied Dango Ouattara in the first half and made an excellent stop with his feet to prevent Antoine Semenyo from scoring in the second.
Amorim made wholesale changes after the hour mark, retaining only Heaton on the pitch. One of the substitutes, 19-year-old Ethan Williams, added a fourth goal with a composed finish into the bottom corner.
United looked set to keep a clean sheet, but in the final minute, Matthijs De Ligt accidentally deflected David Brooks’ cross into his own net. Despite the late blemish, it was an encouraging performance for Amorim’s side as they gear up for the new campaign.
Wirtz Opens Liverpool Account in Comeback Victory Over Yokohama
Florian Wirtz netted his first goal for Liverpool as the Premier League champions came from behind to defeat Yokohama F. Marinos 3–1 in a preseason friendly at Nissan Stadium in Japan.
There were initial doubts over the match proceeding following a tsunami warning triggered by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast. However, authorities confirmed it was safe, allowing the game to go ahead as planned.
After a goalless first half in which Hugo Ekitike a £69 million signing from Eintracht Frankfurt nearly scored with a backheel and Cody Gakpo struck the post, it was the hosts who struck first. Asahi Uenaka finished off a slick move early in the second half to give Yokohama the lead.
Liverpool responded quickly. Mohamed Salah crafted a chance down the right before laying it off for Wirtz, who made no mistake from close range. Moments later, 18-year-old Trey Nyoni put the Reds in front with an acrobatic finish after a precise cross from Jeremie Frimpong.
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha sealed the victory with a superb solo effort three minutes before full-time, capping off a dominant second-half display from Arne Slot’s men.
In goal, Giorgi Mamardashvili—filling in for Alisson Becker, who returned to Brazil for personal reasons—made a notable first-half save to keep out Jun Amano and ensured Liverpool stayed in contention before their comeback.
The win marks a strong end to Liverpool’s Far East tour, which had started with a 4–2 defeat to AC Milan. The squad will now return to Anfield, where they are set to host Athletic Club in a double-header of preseason fixtures on August 4.
D’Tigress Await Quarter-Final Opponent as Angola Face Cameroon in Playoff Clash
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will find out their quarter-final opponents today (Wednesday) when Angola take on Cameroon in a crucial playoff fixture at the ongoing FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The six-time African champions kicked off their title defence in dominant fashion at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, recording back-to-back victories in Group D. Rena Wakama’s side opened their campaign with a commanding 92-45 win over Rwanda, followed by a hard-fought 60-55 triumph against a resilient Mozambican team to seal their spot in the last eight.
Their narrow win over Mozambique extended Nigeria’s remarkable unbeaten streak in the competition to 26 games — a run that dates back to the 2015 edition in Cameroon. Their last defeat came in the semi-finals of that tournament against the host nation, although they bounced back to claim bronze by beating Angola.
Cameroon, potential quarter-final opponents, have endured a mixed run at AfroBasket 2025. They edged past tournament debutants South Sudan 70-63 in their opener but fell 75-49 to Mali in their second group game. With a points tally of 119 scored and 138 conceded, they finished second in Group B with a -19 point differential, highlighting their defensive struggles.
Angola, two-time African champions, have had a disappointing outing so far, losing both of their group games. They suffered a 70-54 defeat to Egypt before falling 82-74 to hosts Ivory Coast. Angola’s stats reflect their struggles — 128 points scored, 152 conceded, and a -24 point differential.
The winner of the Angola vs Cameroon clash will face D’Tigress in the quarter-finals on Thursday, July 31, with a semi-final berth at stake.
Nigeria will enter that tie as strong favourites, not only aiming to take one step closer to a fourth consecutive AfroBasket title but also to secure qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament scheduled for early next year.
Nollywood-Focused Streaming Service, Kava, Set For August Launch
A new chapter is opening for African cinema as kava, a dedicated Nollywood streaming platform, prepares to launch globally in August 2025.
According to a statement released on Thursday, kava is backed by Nollywood powerhouses inkblot productions and filmhouse group and is positioned to take Nigerian storytelling to audiences far beyond its borders.
The platform will debut with more than 30 premium Nollywood titles, a mix of exclusive post-theatrical releases and timeless favourites, with plans to roll out new weekly content across genres from drama to thrillers.
According to kava’s management, the platform seeks to serve viewers and filmmakers, offering a fair and transparent model for creators.
On the kava launch, Chinaza Onuzo, CEO of kava, said the platform will serve as a stage for “cultural storytelling” that reflects Africans’ identities.
Mr Onuzo said, “Kava is where cutting-edge technology meets cultural storytelling. We’ve built a world-class digital platform tailored to showcase the richness of Nollywood.”
While commenting on the revived streaming platform, Kene Okwuosa, another executive chief of kava, stated that the platform will serve as a representative of Africa on the global stage.
“This is more than a platform – an ecosystem for African content, focusing on underserved global demand. Kava exists to serve audiences and also represents both a cultural leap and a commercial opportunity.”
He added, “We’re not just streaming films – we’re building the digital infrastructure for the future of African cinema. We want our audiences to feel the joy of seeing their language, humour, struggles, and triumphs on screen. To feel seen, and like they’re part of something bigger.”
The management noted that the streaming platform, kava, is backed by the extensive networks and expertise of filmhouse and inkblot, founded in 2012 and 2010 respectively, pioneers of cinema exhibition, content production, and global distribution.
The cinema and the studio strategically positioned kava to fill the demand for authentic African content, particularly among the diaspora.
Sadiq In Negotiations With Alavés As Almería Eyes Return Move
Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq is in discussions with Deportivo Alavés over a potential summer move, even as his former club Almería have also renewed their interest in bringing him back ahead of the new season.
According to Onda Vasca, the 27-year-old is currently in contact with Alaves as the Basque club look to bolster their attacking options following the departure of Joaquín Panichelli to Strasbourg for €16.5m.
With only Asier Villalibre and Toni Martínez available to coach Eduardo Coudet, the club’s technical director Sergio Fernandez has made signing a new striker a priority.
Sadiq is in conversations with the Vitoria-Gasteiz side, affirming Alavés’ intent to pursue the Nigerian, despite Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay recently suggesting the player could still remain at the San Sebastian-based club.
Sadiq, who joined Real Sociedad in 2022 from Almería for €20m, has struggled to settle following a long injury layoff after an anterior cruciate ligament tear in September of that year.
A six-month loan spell at Valencia earlier this year helped him regain form, as he scored six goals to help the club avoid relegation.
While Alaves continue negotiations, they are also considering other targets, including Lucas Boyé, while Mariano Diaz remains in pre-season contention but is not being considered a formal signing.
Meanwhile, Almería have re-entered the race for Sadiq, who played a starring role in their promotion to La Liga in 2022.
The Andalusian club see him as the ideal striker to spearhead their bid for a return to the top flight after relegation.
