Man raises alarm as his sister goes missing in Lagos after sending disturbing message about being "scared and boarding wrong car"

A Nigerian man, Mayor Johnson, has raised an alarm over the whereabouts of his sister, Esther, who went missing after sending a disturbing message while on her way to Ajah to Epe area of Lagos State.

Johnson disclosed that Esther left home on Thursday, April 24, 2025 for Ajah to stay with a family friend in preparation for the JAMB exam and has not been seen since them. According to him, she had sent a message to his other sister saying she was “scared, feeling sleepy, her eyes itchy and might have boarded the wrong car.“ 

“It’s almost 24hrs we haven’t heard from my sister, she was going to Epe from Ajah around 1pm yesterday (Thursday) for her jamb exam today…. The last msg she sent her other sister was that “I’m scared I Tink I enter rong car my eyes is itchy e be like I want to slip,” he wrote. 

"We're looking for my kid sister since yesterday afternoon, she was to go frm Ajah to Epe to stay wit a family friend for her Jamb Exam this morning 9am. Her last statement was "I’m scared I Tink I enter wrong car my eyes is itchy e be like I want to slip" We're yet to hear frm her." 

 

 

UK records over 22000 asylum-seeking Nigerians

The United Kingdom Home Office received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals from 2010 to 2024.

Nigerians reportedly accounted for one in 30 UK asylum claims over the period, ranking 11th on the Home Office’s newly released year-end Asylum and Resettlement statistics.

According to the Home Office, nearly twice as many Nigerians (2,841) applied for asylum in 2024 as in 2023 (1,462). Overall, 2024 saw the highest number of asylum applications to the UK, with 108,138 people, a 378 per cent rise from 2010. Most were first-time claims by South Asian and Middle Eastern nationals.

Iran topped the chart with 75,737, likely propelled by the increasing persecution of dissidents by the Iranian regime. Pakistan followed far behind with 57,621. 2024 saw 10,542 Pakistanis claiming asylum in the UK, driven by post-election turmoil, soaring inflation, and a spike in blasphemy prosecutions that human rights groups say offer substantial grounds for protection claims.

Afghanistan trailed with 54,363 asylum applications since 2010. In 2024, 8,508 Afghans sought refuge in the UK, a development that pundits argue is the continued aftermath of the Taliban ousting of the Karzai administration in 2022. That year, 11,358 Afghans sought asylum in the UK, with 9,710 applications the following year.

Others are Albania (50,944), Iraq (45,711), Eritrea (37,687), Syria (34,997) and Bangladesh (31,744). Asylum seekers from Bangladesh rose from 5,097 in 2023 to 7,225 in 2024. The surge coincided with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sudan and India round out the top ten with 30,897 and 30,179, respectively.

Nigeria’s 22,619 filings sit just ahead of Sri Lanka’s 22,059 and above Vietnam, China and Turkey. Brazil, Kuwait, Yemen, Colombia, and Jordan were at the lower end of the list, each contributing fewer than 6,500 claims.

Under British law, an asylum seeker must demonstrate a “well-founded fear of persecution” on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group, the Home Office explained on its website.

In most cases, the reports say, applicants also invoke political persecution under Nigeria’s sweeping cybercrimes legislation or discrimination tied to sexual orientation categories that fall within the Refugee Convention’s protection grounds.

The Home Office makes initial decisions, and negative rulings can be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

Do Grilled Foods Cause Cancer? Unpacking the Smoke and Sizzle

 

The aroma of grilled food is a quintessential part of gatherings and warm weather. That smoky flavor and those enticing grill marks are hard to resist. But whispers about a link between grilling and cancer often dampen the enthusiasm. So, what's the real story? Do grilled foods actually increase your cancer risk? Let's break down the science.

The Culprits: HCAs and PAHs

The primary concern surrounding grilled foods and cancer lies in the formation of two types of chemical compounds when meat (beef, pork, poultry, and fish) is cooked at high temperatures:

• Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs): These compounds form when amino acids, creatine (found in muscle tissue), and sugars in meat react at high heat. The longer and hotter the meat cooks, especially to a well-done or charred state, the more HCAs are produced.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): These chemicals are produced when fat and juices from meat drip onto the heat source (charcoal or flames), causing smoke. These PAHs can then rise and deposit on the surface of the food. PAHs are also found in other sources like cigarette smoke and air pollution.

The Evidence: What the Research Says

Laboratory studies have shown that HCAs and PAHs can damage DNA, and DNA changes can increase the risk of cancer. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to high levels of these compounds can lead to the development of various cancers.

However, the link in humans is more complex and still under investigation. Epidemiological studies, which look at cancer rates in populations and their dietary habits, have shown some associations between high consumption of well-done, grilled, or barbecued meats and an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, stomach, and breast cancers.

It's important to note that these studies often rely on dietary recall, which can be imprecise, and other lifestyle factors could also play a role. More research is needed to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship in humans.

Good News for Grill Lovers: Reducing the Risk

While the potential risks are worth acknowledging, you don't have to ditch your grill entirely. Here are several effective strategies to minimize the formation of HCAs and PAHs:

• Marinate Your Meat: Studies suggest that marinating meat for at least 30 minutes before grilling can significantly reduce HCA formation. Marinades containing ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices seem particularly effective.
• Pre-Cook Larger Cuts: Partially cooking larger pieces of meat in a microwave, oven, or on the stovetop before finishing them on the grill can significantly reduce the time they are exposed to high heat and flames. Drain off any juices before grilling.
• Choose Leaner Meats: Less fat dripping onto the heat source means less PAH formation. Opt for leaner cuts of meat, poultry without skin, and fish. Trim visible fat before grilling.
• Grill More Vegetables and Fruits: Unlike meat, grilling vegetables and fruits does not produce HCAs. They are also packed with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Get creative with grilled peppers, zucchini, onions, pineapple, and peaches!
• Use Indirect Heat: Cook food away from the direct flame or heat source. For charcoal grills, you can pile the coals on one side and cook on the other. For gas grills, turn off the burners directly beneath the food.
• Flip Frequently: Turning meat frequently can help it cook more evenly and reduce charring.
• Shorten Grilling Time: Cook food for the shortest time necessary to reach a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking. Smaller pieces of meat cook faster.
• Avoid Charring: While that crispy, blackened exterior might taste appealing, it contains higher concentrations of HCAs. Trim off any charred portions before eating.
• Consider Using Foil: Wrapping meat in aluminum foil before placing it on the grill can prevent fat drippings and reduce PAH formation. Poke holes to allow some smoke flavor.
• Clean Your Grill Regularly: Built-up charred residue on grill grates can transfer HCAs to your food.

The Bottom Line

While grilling can lead to the formation of compounds that have been linked to cancer in laboratory and some population studies, it doesn't mean you have to give up your barbecue. By understanding the risks and employing safer grilling techniques, you can significantly reduce your exposure to HCAs and PAHs while still enjoying the delicious flavors of grilled food. Moderation, variety in your cooking methods, and a focus on including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet are key to a healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized health advice.

Beheaded body sparks panic in Lagos community

 

Tension gripped the Idimu area of Lagos State after residents discovered the bodies of two men, one of which was beheaded.

It was gathered that the corpses were discovered on Sunday morning, April 20, 2025 along Oladun Road.

According to Punch, the lifeless bodies were still lying several meters apart at the time of their visit to the scene. 

A resident Lanre Ajao who spoke to the publication identified one of the deceased as Baba Oja.

“We woke up to see their lifeless bodies on the road this morning. We cannot immediately identify the one with a severed head but the other person is Baba Oja. He is very popular in this area,” he said. 

“He was also known to always mingle with some boys who ran after flashy cars to collect money from the drivers around the Council bus stop. We still saw him yesterday controlling the traffic for some of the flashy cars.”

Another resident, Jamiu Raji, said that the nature of the k!llings indicated cult violence.

"We found out that the incident was not just a fight. It is related to a cult attack because of the way the two of them were killed. However, incidents like this are not common in this area. That is why people were shocked to see this,” he said.

It was further gathered that the corpses remained at the scene for nearly 10 hours before police operatives eventually arrived.

The second corpse was later identified as that of another resident in the community whose name could not be ascertained. 

Another resident who did not want his name in print for security reasons said the families of the deceased victims were made to part away with money before they could allow them to take the corpses away.