Here in the desert, Algeria has abandoned more than 13,000 people in the past 14 months, including pregnant women and children, stranding them without food or water and forcing them to walk, sometimes at gunpoint, under temperatures of up to 118 degrees.

In Niger, where the majority head, the lucky ones limp across a desolate 9-mile no-mans-land to Assamaka, less a town than a collection of unsteady buildings sinking into drifts of sand.

Others, disoriented and dehydrated, wander for days before a U.N. rescue squad can find them.

Untold numbers perish along the way; nearly all the more than two dozen survivors interviewed by The Associated Press told of people in their groups who simply could not go on and vanished into the Sahara.

Women were lying dead, men.. Other people got missing in the desert because they didnt know the way, said Janet Kamara, who was pregnant at the time. Everybody was just on their own.

Her body still aches from the dead baby she gave birth to during the trek and left behind in the Sahara, buried in a shallow grave in the molten sand.

Blood streaked her legs for days afterward, and weeks later, her ankles are still swollen. Now in Arlit, Niger, she is reeling from the time she spent in what she calls the wilderness, sleeping in the sand.

Quietly, in a voice almost devoid of feeling, she recalled at least two nights in the open before her group was finally rescued, but said she lost track of time.

I lost my son, my child, said Kamara, a Liberian who ran her own home business selling drinks and food in Algeria and was expelled in May.

Another woman in her early twenties, who was expelled at the same time, also went into labor, she said. That baby didnt make it either.

Algerias mass expulsions have picked up since October 2017, as the European Union renewed pressure on North African countries to head off migrants going north to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea or the barrier fences with Spain.

These migrants from across sub-Saharan Africa Mali, the Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger and more are part of the mass migration toward Europe, some fleeing violence, others just hoping to make a living.

A European Union spokesperson said the EU was aware of what Algeria was doing, but that sovereign countries can expel migrants as long as they comply with international law.

Unlike Niger, Algeria takes none of the EU money intended to help with the migration crisis, although it did receive $111.3 million in aid from Europe between 2014 and 2017.

Algeria provides no figures for the expulsions. But the number of people crossing on foot to Niger has been increasing steadily since the International Organization for Migration started counting in May 2017, when 135 people were dropped at the crossing, to as high as 2,888 in April 2018.

In all, according to the IOM, a total of 11,276 men, women and children survived the march.

At least another 2,500 were forced on a similar trek this year through the Sahara into neighboring Mali, with an unknown number succumbing along the way.

The migrants the AP talked to described being rounded up hundreds at a time, crammed into open trucks headed southward for six to eight hours to what is known as Point Zero, then dropped in the desert and pointed in the direction of Niger.

They are told to walk, sometimes at gunpoint. In early June, 217 men, women and children were dropped well before reaching Point Zero, fully 18 miles from the nearest source of water, according to the IOM.

Source:

Source: NAN

The Coach of FRSC FC of Abuja, Akinade Onigbinde, on Monday said that todays football had grown above big names of players or countries.

Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that big names were no longer an intimidating factor to decide victory in matches.

He noted that countries like Argentina with big names like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero etc., had been dwarfed by lowly-rated countries in the ongoing World Cup.

Football is fast going scientific to a level that big players or nations are even struggling to win a match.

Unlike before, countries with big players used to cow others, but today almost every nation is good, Onigbinde said, expressing satisfaction with the development.

While noting that it had made football more interesting, he urged nations like Iran to improve on their game and added that no nation was an underdog in football.

According to him, the ongoing World Cup in Russia is a good testimony of the progress so far made in global football.

Onigbinde explained the inability of some big countries to live up to expectation was a pointer to the fact achievements in football nowadays was due to hard work which was the only key to success.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some big countries like Argentina have failed to live up to expectations.

Argentina played 1-1 with Iceland in their opening match and lost 3-0 to Croatia in the second match and will taken on Nigeria later on Monday.

Source: NAN

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has commiserated with popular singer, Daniel Oyebanjo, a.k.a Dbanj over the death of his son David Jnr.

Dbanj confirmed the death of David, fondly referred to as Daniel the 3rd on Sunday night on his Instagram page.

Sharing a black picture, he wrote @iambangalee, Trying times but my God is always and forever faithful.

Daniel, who celebrated his first birthday in May, reportedly drowned in the family pool.

Following confirmation of the sad news, condolences began to troop in from celebrities and fans alike replicating the black picture shared by the bereaved father, Dbanj.

Obasanjo who wrote on his twitter handle @chief_obasanjo said My heart and prayers are with Dapo and his family.

No parent should ever have to bury a child. As a parent, its the worst thing imaginable.

May God give you the fortitude to bear the loss, Dbanj, Obasanjo stated.

Also, former labelmate and producer, Don Jazzy wrote @donjazzy, Just heard the worst news in a long time.

Singer Bank W wrote @bankywellington, Sending prayers up for @iambangalee, his wife and their entire family.

This is a nightmare. Heart wrenching news. May God strengthen and comfort yall in this absolutely terrible time in Jesus name.

Mavin First Lady wrote @tiwasavage, I was just holding you last month celebrating your birthday.

I am in shock, my heart is broken. This is unbearable.
Another former labelmate, Dr Did said @iamdrsid, The Lord is your strength my brother.

Others including Big Brother Naija 2018 alumni Alex-Unusual and Tobi Bakre; singer Dija and actress Tonto Dikeh.

Meanwhile, fans of the singer have taken to social media to commensurate with him.

@Ify_love tweeted, the worst news. Couldnt possibly imagine what they are going through.

@felyxxx01 wrote, This is really sad. Such a lovely kid. My condolences to Dbanj and his wife. (NAN)

Legendary singer Anita Baker and Marvel-Disney blockbuster Black Panther, received massive recognitions at the 2018 BET awards.

The BET Awards, established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network, celebrates African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.

The awards are presented annually, and are broadcast live on BET. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists, and some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony.

The superhero billion dollar flick Black Panther won the Best Movie Award while lead actor Chadwick Boseman won the Best Actor Award.

In the middle of the event, host Jamie Foxx brought one of the movies stars Micheal B. Jordan on stage to recite one of the most powerful lines from the movie.

The line, Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, because they knew death was better than bondage elicited rapturous response from the crowd.

The presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary singer Anita Baker by Hollywood producer Tyler Perry, was a deeply emotional moment.

The beauty of the award was cemented when Foxx sang a medley of Bakers greatest hit.

Baker, who started her career in the late 1970s with the funk band Chapter 8, released her first album The Songstress in 1983.

The eight time Grammy award winner is regarded as one of the most popular singers of soulful romantic ballads during the height of the quiet storm period of RnB in the 1980s.

NAN reports that other significant wins include Serena Williams receiving the Sportswoman of the Year award and A Wrinkle in Time Director Ava Duvernay getting the Best Director Award.

Kendrick Lamar bagged the Album of the Year and Best Male Hip Hop Artist; Beyonce picked the Best Female Pop Artist and Bruno Mars got the Best Male Pop Artist.

Source: NAN

A Jos Upper Area Court in Plateau, sitting in Kasuwan Nama on Monday sentenced an applicant, Amos Adamu, 27, to two years imprisonment for rape and criminal conspiracy.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Yahaya Mohammed, handed down the sentence after the convict pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of rape and criminal conspiracy.

Mohammed, who did not give the convict an option of fine, said that the punishment would serve as deterrent to others, who might want to engage in similar acts.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigative Department on April 27 by one Dorothy Titus.

Gokwat said that the convict in company of two other persons now at large, ganged-raped a lady at RukubaRoad in Jos.

He said that during police investigation, it was discovered that the victim got intoxicated from a substance, suspected to be drugs, which was given to her by the convict and his gang.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 97 and 283 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to keep faith with the party, saying that things would soon be put right.

He made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja at the partys National Convention, adding that the party would emerge stronger from the convention.

The President, however, told the 6,800 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other party members that the crisis in some of the partys state chapters was a price the party had to pay for its electoral victory in 2015.

He further appealed to the delegates to shun personal interests and to accept the outcome of the convention in good faith in the interest of the party and the nation.

The partys outgoing National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, thanked President Buhari for the opportunity to work for the party and to work closely with him.

He said I feel a deep sense of fullfilment and inner peace for seeing this day and the colour added to the event.

Odigie-Oyegun also thanked the partys chieftains and founding fathers for what he called principled leadership and for refusing to be deceived by negative media reports and obvious challenges.

The thanked the 21 member-APC National Working Committee (NWC) which he headed, noting thatthough we argued most times, we always reached a resolution.

He further thanked the partys members across the federation, saying today, I am making my exit from the honour you bestowed on me to lead you.

Phase one of this party has ended, phase two is about to start, I wish my successor a fair weather in office.

The former Governor of Edo, Adams Oshionhole, is the sole chairmanship candidate of the party.

This followed the withdrawal of three other aspirants, including former Cross River Governor, Chief Clement Ebri from the race, as the tenure of the Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC ends on June 25. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday met with leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and other political leaders in the South West on the way forward for Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting which held behind closed-doors at the Lekki residence of the Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, lasted for almost two hours.

Those at the meeting included a former governor of Ogun, and the Director-General of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Chief Otunba Gbenga Daniels; a former governor of Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and Chief Kenny Martins.

Others included Sen. Femi Okunrounmu, Chief Oyewole Fashawe, Mr Akin Oshuntokun and Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu.

Also at the meeting were Prof. Banji Akintoye, Dr Amos Akingba as well Afenifere Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin.

NAN reports that the meeting was also about sustaining the unity in Nigeria.

Obasanjo, clad in a navy blue Agbada, however declined to speak with newsmen after the meeting.

But the Afenifere leader, Adebanjo told newsmen that the meeting was about strengthening unity in Yoruba land ahead of the 2019 general elections and beyond.

He said that there was the need for elders and leaders in the region to cast their differences aside and stand as one to chart a new course for the country.

The meeting was nothing more than the fact that Nigeria must move forward.

There must be unity to destroy mediocrity and dictatorship.

What is important is that we have our common goal. We are not endorsing candidates yet. We must agree and be united first, and that is what we are trying to achieve.

If you are not united, you cannot achieve anything. And that primarily was the essence of the meeting, he said.

Adebanjo said the leaders at the meeting had fruitful discussions on the way forward for the Yorubas and the country, describing the meeting as an achievement.

Also speaking, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Convener of Save Nigeria Group, said that the meeting was about the way forward for the country at these critical times.

He explained that he and others met on fashioning the way forward for the country.

Bakare said that since it was a closed-door meeting, he would not provide details.

Asked if it was not strange sitting with Obasanjo whom he had always criticised, he said his criticisms of Obasanjo was not borne out of animosity but how to do things right.

He added that his faulting Obasanjo in and out of office did not mean he was his enemy but a call for collective reasoning for the interest of the nation.

Being a critic is not an enemy of the state or the nation. The thinker is the enemy of the mob. If you say I have been a critic of Obasanjo, look at him now being a critic of Buhari too. Yet, he facilitated his coming.

Critique is not the same thing as criticism; it is let us reason together, things are not going the right way, he said.

On his part, Odumakin said that the meeting was friendly and that there was so much conviviality.

He added that everybody present played active part in the deliberations.

Earlier, Obasanjo had visited a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, to condole with him over the recent death of his son, Dipo.

The former president was accompanied on the visit to Georges Ikoyi residence by some of his aides and loyalists.

Members of Georges family expressed pleasant surprise at Obasanjos visit, saying it marks an end to the long-standing rift between him and the PDP chieftain.

Speaking, Obasanjo urged George to take solace in God over the demise of his late son.

We cannot query God, but to only take solace in what He has done for you.

If this did not happen, who knows what next would happen.

I have not been around but it was on my mind to come over and commiserate with you and the family.
May God grant the deposed eternal rest, he said.

Reacting in an emotion-laden voice, sister to the deceaseds father, Alhaja Majolagbe George, declared that the rift was over between Obasanjo and her brother.

She said the family was shocked and surprised by the former presidents visit, saying it has ended years of frictions between the two.

We are shocked when this started. But today, the devil has been put to shame.

The evil this morning has been condemned outside this house.

It will never come to these great Nigerians anymore, she said. (NAN)

PROTOCOLS

It is my pleasure to address you today, on the occasion of our great partys 2nd National Convention and the first since we rode on its glorious platform to a victorious political outing in 2015. Congratulations again to all who worked or contributed to our success.

2.I want to begin by acknowledging your presence and congratulating all our delegates who have emerged from the wards, local Governments and State congresses from the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT gathered here today as the partys highest ranking constitutional organ, to elect and usher in a new leadership for the party at the national level.

3.I am also using this opportunity to thank the outgoing National Executives of the party, especially those who will not be offering themselves for re-election at todays convention for their tireless efforts in securing victory for the party at the last elections and managing the success thereafter.

4.I want to assure everyone here that despite a few lingering issues with the congresses in some states, our great party will emerge stronger after this convention. The unresolved cases we have is the price we have to pay for success, as everyone wants to be associated with a winning team. I am imploring all those with grievances to keep faith with the party until we put things right.

5.I have been following the preparations leading to this event and I must commend this Convention Committee under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Badaru Abubakar for providing a level playing field and instilling confidence in both aspirants and delegates with their thorough approach and adherence to transparency.

6.I commend all the delegates from across the country for your sacrifice and patience, travelling all the way from your different destinations and waiting in inclement weather, as it has been raining all the day. Thank you for your commitment.

7.The adoption of consensus as a first option is commendable and the process has led to a lot of healing and cohesion across the states and the zones, and where elections are inevitable, I have been assured that the process adopted will result in clear and undisputed results. Again I am appealing to all contestants to keep faith with the party.

8.May I, therefore, appeal to all to put our great party ahead of personal considerations and to accept the outcome of the exercise in good faith. You are all important to our partys progress and all must come together to ensure success in the forthcoming polls so as to enable us to continue the good work we have been doing for our fellow Nigerians.

9.I thank you all for being here and congratulate the new National Executive to be elected shortly.

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless our Party.

APC!

APC!!

APC!!

Source: NAN

Some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo on Saturday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The defectors were received by the PDP Chairman in Edo, Chief Dan Orbih, at a rally in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area.

Some of the defectors said they left the APC because of the absence of internal democracy.

Retired Capt. Patrick Isede, a former Local Government Secretary and leader of the defectors, said they decided to join the PDP because the party symbolises peace.

He also expressed optimism that the PDP would ameliorate the present hardship in the country if victorious in the forthcoming general elections.

Also speaking, Mr Benjamin Enakpene, a former Executive Secretary of Etsako Local Government Council, said he and his supporters left the APC because they could no longer endure the lack of internal democracy in the party.

He alleged that the APC machinery in the area had remained under the control of two individuals.

Mr Okauso Felix, another defector and former councillor, said he dumped his former party because the party lacked good leaders.

He said he and his supporters had waited for nine years for a change which had yet to come, adding that the PDP was more organised and democratic.

Earlier, Orbih had said that the defection was a signal of the partys victory in the 2019 general elections.

He expressed happiness that the defectors were joining the party based on their personal convictions.

Orbih urged the people to ensure that they were registered, saying a vote for the party would be a vote for democracy. (NAN)

The All Progressives Congress National Convention in Abuja has affirmed former Governor Adams Oshiohmole as the National Chairman.

The convention also affirmed the election of 19 other officers.

Details soon

Source: NAN