Stone Reporters News

Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor 

Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor 

Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor 

Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor 

Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor 

Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor 

The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of Etimbuk Daniel, a National Youth Service Corps member and former student leader, following concerns about medical care at an orientation camp in Enugu State. His death has prompted condolences, questions about emergency healthcare and demands for greater accountability within the national service scheme.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Portugal's national team, expressing hope that the dispute between the veteran forward and head coach Jorge Jesus can be resolved. His comments follow a turbulent international break that saw Ronaldo leave the squad and face disciplinary proceedings over his conduct. The 26-year-old made the appeal on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after scoring in Paris Saint-Germain's 4-2 UEFA Champions League victory over Manchester City in England. Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, Vitinha described the recent international period as emotionally difficult and said Portugal's players wanted their captain to rejoin the squad. “It was a turbulent international break, full of high emotions,” Vitinha said, before expressing his desire for a resolution that would allow Ronaldo to return. The midfielder avoided taking sides in the disagreement, focusing instead on the possibility of restoring normal relations between the player, the coach and the national team. He said his hope was that the matter would be settled satisfactorily and Ronaldo would once again become available for international selection. “The truth is, that's what we all want,” Vitinha added, emphasising the desire for reconciliation rather than further confrontation. His remarks came after Ronaldo's departure from Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen ahead of the country's UEFA Nations League encounter with Denmark earlier this month. The dispute began after Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27. The 41-year-old forward had reportedly warmed up for approximately 30 minutes during the match but was not introduced by Jesus. Ronaldo subsequently expressed dissatisfaction with the coach's handling of his playing time and the explanations surrounding his omission. The situation escalated when the Portugal captain left the national team's training camp before the match against Denmark. Jesus had publicly defended his authority to determine team selection, maintaining that decisions about the starting line-up and substitutions were his responsibility. The coach's position reflected the management structure under which players are selected according to tactical requirements, fitness considerations and the circumstances of individual matches. However, Ronaldo later alleged that Jesus had failed to honour assurances given to him concerning his role within the team. In a public statement issued on October 6, the forward accused the coach of breaking his word on two occasions. Ronaldo said the disagreement concerned an arrangement under which Jesus was expected to explain publicly why he had not featured against Norway. According to the player, the explanation did not materialise as he had understood it would, contributing to his decision to leave the squad. The account represented Ronaldo's interpretation of the events, while Jesus disputed the suggestion that a binding agreement had been made. Despite criticising the coach, Ronaldo acknowledged that leaving the national team camp had consequences. He apologised to his teammates for the disruption and said he would accept any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward also maintained that he remained willing to represent Portugal in future international matches. His statement therefore did not amount to an announcement of retirement from international football. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings concerning his departure from camp. On October 10, reports confirmed that Ronaldo had been provisionally suspended while the matter was being examined. The measure was described as a temporary disciplinary action rather than a final determination of the case. The federation had not announced a definitive punishment by October 15, and the details of the proceedings were expected to remain confidential while the investigation continued. Federation president Pedro Proença indicated that the authorities wanted the dispute resolved, although the disciplinary process would remain subject to the appropriate decision-making procedures. The uncertainty has attracted considerable attention because Ronaldo remains one of Portugal's most prominent footballers. He has represented the national team for more than two decades and has accumulated a record 146 international goals in 234 appearances. His achievements include helping Portugal win the European Championship in 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. Ronaldo has also remained an influential figure in international football through his club career, currently playing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. Nevertheless, his status and previous achievements do not automatically determine his selection for individual matches. The disagreement with Jesus has consequently raised questions about how Portugal manages the transition between established senior players and emerging members of the squad. Jesus assumed responsibility for the national team following the departure of Roberto Martínez after Portugal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. His appointment introduced a new coaching structure and different expectations concerning squad management. The recent Nations League fixtures have provided an early examination of his approach, including how he uses experienced players alongside younger alternatives. Portugal continued competing after Ronaldo's departure, recording a 4-2 victory over Denmark on October 1. Vitinha was among the goalscorers in Copenhagen, while João Félix scored late in the match to secure the result. The victory demonstrated that the team could continue producing results without its longstanding captain, although it did not resolve the disagreement surrounding his absence. Portugal completed the international period with four victories from four Nations League matches. Vitinha featured in all four encounters, placing him among the players directly involved in the campaign affected by the controversy. His latest remarks suggest that the dressing room would welcome a resolution enabling Ronaldo to return. However, the midfielder did not claim to represent an official decision by the federation or announce that an agreement had been reached. Other Portugal players have also addressed the issue, with attention focused on maintaining unity and supporting the coaching staff. The dispute has generated contrasting public reactions, including criticism of Ronaldo's decision to leave camp and expressions of support for his continued involvement. Former England captain Wayne Rooney was among those who criticised the walkout, arguing that leaving teammates during an international assignment was inappropriate. Such assessments remain opinions about the player's conduct rather than findings from the federation's disciplinary process. There have also been reports of efforts to arrange discussions between Ronaldo and Jesus. Portuguese media indicated that the coach was prepared to participate in a meeting intended to resolve the disagreement, subject to Ronaldo's willingness to engage. No completed reconciliation or formal agreement had been publicly confirmed by October 15. Portugal's next scheduled Nations League fixtures are against Denmark and Wales in November. Those matches could provide an opportunity for Ronaldo to return, depending on the disciplinary outcome, his availability and the coach's selection decisions. Vitinha's intervention comes as Portugal prepares for those fixtures while managing the consequences of the dispute. For the midfielder, the immediate priority is restoring a situation in which the captain and the national team can move forward without the disagreement overshadowing preparations. His comments underline the distinction between supporting Ronaldo's return and challenging the authority of the coach. The midfielder expressed confidence that a resolution would be welcomed by the squad, while leaving the necessary decisions to the individuals and institutions involved. With disciplinary proceedings unresolved, Ronaldo's international future remains open rather than conclusively settled. The coming weeks will determine whether discussions produce an agreement and whether the forward becomes available for Portugal's November matches. For now, Vitinha has publicly made clear that he hopes Ronaldo will return and that the dispute will end. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

Nigerian troops have overrun a suspected Lakurawa terrorist stronghold in Sokoto State, killing several fighters, destroying camps and recovering weapons and motorcycles during a military operation aimed at disrupting armed groups operating in the North-West. The military says soldiers have maintained their presence in the area to prevent surviving fighters from regrouping. The operation took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Waria Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops of Sector 2 advanced through suspected terrorist hideouts around Alela, Bilange and Kandam villages before encountering armed fighters. Danja said the soldiers engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle after reaching their positions in the forest. The confrontation reportedly forced the fighters to abandon their locations and retreat into surrounding wooded areas. The military said its personnel pursued the fleeing fighters and killed several during the subsequent engagement. However, the statement did not specify the number of people killed or provide an independently verified casualty assessment. Following the confrontation, troops searched the area and destroyed camps and structures described by the military as facilities supporting the group's operations. The search also resulted in the recovery of weapons and five motorcycles. The military did not disclose the types or quantities of firearms recovered, apart from confirming that weapons were among the items seized. “Further exploitation of the area led to the destruction of the terrorists’ camps and all life-support structures, as well as the recovery of weapons and five motorcycles,” Danja said. The military described the operation as part of continuing efforts to eliminate safe havens used by armed groups and restrict their movements across communities in the North-West. According to the task force, soldiers remained deployed around the affected locations after the initial confrontation, conducting additional clearance activities intended to prevent the fighters from returning. The command said the continued deployment was necessary to strengthen security in communities surrounding Waria Forest and reduce the possibility of further attacks. Danja also conveyed the Theatre Command's commendation to participating soldiers, acknowledging their conduct during the operation and their continued deployment in difficult security conditions. The military urged residents to provide credible information about suspicious movements and activities, describing community intelligence as an important contribution to ongoing operations. The statement did not report casualties among the troops or civilians, and it did not confirm whether any suspected fighters were captured alive. There was also no immediate independent account from residents of Alela, Bilange, Kandam or neighbouring settlements concerning the scale of the confrontation. The latest operation follows previous military engagements with suspected Lakurawa fighters in Tangaza Local Government Area, where security agencies have repeatedly reported attempts to dismantle armed hideouts. In September 2026, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted another clearance operation around Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages before advancing towards Magarya Forest. During that mission, soldiers reportedly encountered armed fighters who withdrew after an exchange of gunfire. A subsequent search produced a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, motorcycles and other equipment, according to the military's account. The September operation involved some of the same communities mentioned in the October 15 statement, indicating continued military activity within the wider Tangaza area. However, the authorities have not established whether the fighters encountered during the two operations belonged to the same specific unit or occupied the same camps. Earlier in 2026, the military also reported an engagement in Kadam Forest, another location within Tangaza Local Government Area. According to that account, intelligence indicated that more than 100 suspected Lakurawa fighters had gathered in the forest, allegedly preparing attacks and kidnappings. Troops subsequently engaged the group, killing three suspected fighters and recovering firearms, ammunition, communications equipment and motorcycles. The military said further patrols were conducted after the confrontation to identify additional suspects and prevent regrouping. In another incident, soldiers responded to an attempted attack on a Nigeria Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri village in Tangaza. The army reported killing two suspected Lakurawa fighters during that encounter and recovering two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and a motorcycle. These earlier operations provide context for the latest military offensive but do not independently establish the identity of those killed in Waria Forest. The Lakurawa group has been associated with armed violence and insecurity affecting parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states, particularly communities near Nigeria's northwestern border. Reports concerning its activities have included allegations of attacks on settlements, threats against security installations and the movement of armed fighters through rural areas. In January 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja declared the Lakurawa group a terrorist organisation following proceedings brought before the court. The designation provided a legal basis for treating the organisation's activities under Nigeria's counterterrorism framework. Nevertheless, responsibility for individual attacks still requires evidence identifying the perpetrators and their involvement. The broader military campaign in the North-West has involved operations against armed groups responsible for killings, abductions, cattle rustling and attacks on communities. Operation FANSAN YAMMA brings together military personnel conducting coordinated security operations across affected states. Its activities include patrols, intelligence-led missions, responses to attacks and operations aimed at recovering abducted civilians. On September 20, troops operating in Sokoto State reportedly rescued 23 kidnapped people during separate engagements in Wurno and Isa local government areas. The military said six victims were rescued after soldiers responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno, while another 17 were recovered following an operation along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road. Four suspected Lakurawa members were also arrested during a separate operation in Illela Local Government Area, according to the task force. Those incidents demonstrate the range of security operations being conducted, although their reported outcomes have not all been independently verified. More recently, military reports described an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa fighters in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State on October 7. According to the account, a large group travelling on motorcycles confronted troops, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The military reported killing ten suspected fighters and recovering motorcycles, weapons, ammunition and communications equipment. The latest Sokoto operation therefore occurred amid continuing engagements involving armed groups across the region. For communities near Waria Forest, the immediate concern remains whether the military presence can prevent further attacks and enable residents to carry out their activities safely. The destruction of camps may disrupt an armed group's operations, but the long-term security impact cannot be established solely from the outcome of one engagement. That assessment will depend on subsequent developments, including whether fighters return, whether attacks continue and whether residents experience improved security. The task force has said its personnel will maintain pressure on suspected terrorist positions and continue efforts to deny armed groups freedom of movement. As of October 15, the military had confirmed the recovery of five motorcycles and unspecified weapons, the destruction of camps and the reported killing of several fighters. The precise death toll, identities of those killed and wider consequences of the operation remain unconfirmed. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi has given an emotional account of how former Katsina South senator Bello Mandiya reportedly died alone in his Abuja residence, with his body remaining undiscovered for approximately three days. The Bauchi Central lawmaker described the circumstances as a painful reminder of life's uncertainty and the limitations of political influence, wealth and public status. Speaking during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ningi recounted how Mandiya, aged 62, was reportedly last seen on Friday, September 4, before suffering a fatal fall in the bathroom of his Abuja home. His body was discovered on Monday, September 7, after neighbours became concerned about his prolonged absence and an unpleasant smell coming from the residence. “For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” Ningi told the Senate. The senator explained that Mandiya had been living alone at the property and was preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when the incident reportedly occurred. According to his account, a colleague had seen the former lawmaker at approximately 11 a.m. that Friday, shortly before Mandiya returned home. Ningi said his friend had prepared his belongings for the prayer, including his cap and mobile telephones, before entering the bathroom. He explained that Mandiya apparently slipped after bathing and struck his head, although the precise circumstances of the fall were not independently established in the reports reviewed. No one was immediately aware that an emergency had occurred inside the residence. The former senator's absence subsequently became noticeable because he was known to participate regularly in congregational prayers. Ningi said the Chief Imam of Apo grew concerned after Mandiya failed to attend the five daily Muslim prayers for three consecutive days. The religious leader's concern coincided with complaints from neighbours about an unpleasant smell coming from the apartment. Residents eventually decided to investigate the property, where the former senator had not been seen for several days. According to Ningi, those who went to the residence forced open the door and discovered Mandiya lying lifeless in the bathroom. The senator said the discovery confirmed fears that something serious had happened to his friend. Ningi was outside Nigeria when the news reached him. He told colleagues that he was in Saudi Arabia when his son telephoned to inform him about Mandiya's death. According to the lawmaker, his son was among those involved in discovering the body on September 7. The account added a personal dimension to the Senate's remembrance of Mandiya, who had served alongside Ningi during the ninth National Assembly. Ningi said he had known the deceased since 2002 and described their relationship as extending well beyond their years together in the legislature. The senator reflected on how a person who had occupied important public offices could die without anyone immediately knowing what had happened. He urged colleagues to remember that political authority, personal possessions and social standing could not prevent unexpected tragedy. “There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” he said. The remarks formed part of a tribute in which Ningi expressed sympathy for Mandiya's family, former constituents and the people of Katsina State. He also prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and provide comfort to those mourning him. Mandiya represented Katsina South Senatorial District between 2019 and 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. Before entering the Senate, he served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari. His appointment placed him within the senior administrative leadership of the Katsina State Government before he pursued a legislative career. In the 2019 general election, Mandiya secured the Katsina South senatorial seat and subsequently joined the ninth National Assembly. During his tenure, he chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources, participating in legislative oversight concerning water infrastructure and related federal responsibilities. His service in the upper legislative chamber ended in 2023, following the completion of that parliamentary term. Mandiya had earlier failed to secure his party's nomination for another term during the APC senatorial primary election in 2022. Despite leaving office, he remained a former federal lawmaker whose death attracted condolences from political associates and government officials. The Katsina State Government announced his death on September 7, with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda describing the loss as significant for the state and Nigeria. Other political figures subsequently joined in paying tribute to the former senator and acknowledging his years in public service. During the Senate's remembrance, former Abia State Governor and serving senator Orji Uzor Kalu also expressed condolences over Mandiya's death. The tributes reflected the relationships developed during the deceased's time in government and the National Assembly. Reports following his death indicated that Mandiya was buried in Abuja on September 8 in accordance with Islamic rites. Ningi's latest account has provided additional information about the period between the former senator's last reported appearance and the discovery of his body. However, the description of a fatal bathroom accident remains based on the senator's recollection rather than a publicly available medical or forensic report. The reviewed reports did not provide an official post-mortem finding or independently establish the precise time of death. They also did not identify any criminal investigation or present evidence suggesting that another person was responsible. It would therefore be inappropriate to introduce allegations of foul play without credible information supporting such claims. The reported circumstances nevertheless illustrate how a medical emergency or accident inside a private residence may remain unnoticed when someone lives alone. In Mandiya's case, Ningi attributed the eventual discovery to the concern shown by neighbours and a religious leader who recognised an unusual absence. The sequence described by the senator emphasises the importance of regular contact among relatives, friends and community members, particularly when an individual lives without other household occupants. His comments were not presented as a formal proposal for legislation or an announcement of a Senate investigation. Instead, they formed part of a personal reflection on mortality and the unexpected loss of a longstanding friend. The account also returned attention to Mandiya's political career and the relationships he maintained after leaving the National Assembly. For Ningi, the central message was that public achievement offers no guarantee against sudden death or personal vulnerability. The former senator's death had already been publicly announced in September, but the detailed account presented during plenary has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding it. As colleagues continue remembering Mandiya, Ningi's testimony stands as a tribute to their friendship and a reminder of the importance of human connection beyond political office. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 14.63 per cent in September 2026, marking another moderation in the pace at which consumer prices are rising across the country. The latest figures offer evidence of easing inflationary pressure, although households and businesses continue to face the effects of previously accumulated price increases.