Ghana records first monkeypox de@th as cases surge

 

Ghana has reported its first death from Mpox, health authorities confirmed Sunday, as the country faces a sharp rise in new infections. Twenty-three new cases were recorded in the past week, bringing the total to 257 since the virus was first detected in Ghana in June 2022. 

This marks the highest weekly increase since the outbreak began and the first fatality reported in the country.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told AFP that the situation is under control. He emphasized that early detection and responsible behaviour are crucial to limiting the outbreak.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection related to smallpox. It causes fever, body aches, and distinct skin lesions, and can be deadly. The disease spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.

A Ghanaian government agency responsible for public health is expected to receive Mpox vaccines from the World Health Organization this week. Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, a director with the agency, said that at-risk populations have been identified and vaccination will begin as soon as doses arrive.

The outbreak in Ghana reflects a broader trend across West Africa, where health officials are struggling to contain the disease. Thousands of cases have been reported this year in the region, including Sierra Leone, which recorded 3,350 cases and 16 deaths between January and late May.

Other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi have also reported thousands of cases this year, according to the World Health Organization. Africa CDC data released last week shows over 47,000 confirmed cases and 221 deaths across the continent since January last year, with at least 27,000 cases recorded in 2025 alone.

Last month, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the virus an international health emergency amid the rising number of cases in West Africa

I’m not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria – Peter Obi replies Gov. Okpebholo

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has reacted to comments made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, that he must seek clearance before visiting Edo state. 

Responding, Obi stated that he is not afraid of visiting any part of Nigeria.

He made the statement in Onitsha while presenting a ₦50 million cheque to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), for infrastructural development.

The donation, made alongside other CKC Old Boys, is aimed at enhancing the institution's educational facilities.

CKC, founded in 1932, boasts notable alumni, including Dr. Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State, and former Anambra governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.

Obi emphasized that his visits to various states are focused on supporting initiatives that promote national development, such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Speaking at the event, Obi said:

“I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation-building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.”

He expressed disappointment that his recent visit to Benin was politicized, clarifying that the trip was aimed solely at supporting healthcare efforts in the state.

“I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he said.

Shock as nursing mother allegedly m8rders her two children in Enugu

A woman identified as Chidinma Arinze, has allegedly m8rdered her two children in Enugu State.

The children, a four-year-old girl and her three-month-old baby brother, were found d3ad by neighbours on Monday, July 21, 2025.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspect reportedly committed the act at her residence, No. 47 Unity Road, Trans Ekulu, in what police sources describe as one of the most disturbing domestic incidents in recent memory. 

Police sources disclosed that the tragic event unfolded at about 9:00 a.m. when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trans Ekulu received a distress call. 

Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. On arrival, the operatives met the lifeless bodies of Esther Arinze, aged 4, and Chibusoma Arinze, aged 3 months. 

Both victims reportedly bore marks of violence, suspected to have been inflicted with a sharp object. 

The scene was cordoned off, and forensic photographs were taken before the suspect was taken into custody. 

The children’s remains were evacuated to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT), Parklane, where they were certified dead by a medical officer. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy. 

The suspect, their mother, was arrested at the scene without resistance. 

Preliminary investigation is currently ongoing at the Trans Ekulu Division, while the case is being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more discreet and comprehensive probe. 

While police have not disclosed a motive, early speculation from community members points to a possible case of postpartum mental health crisis, though this remains unconfirmed. 

“This is not something we’ve seen before in our area,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “She was quiet, kept to herself. No one suspected she was struggling with anything.” 

The Enugu State Police Command assured the public that justice would be pursued with thoroughness and sensitivity. 

“We understand the emotional weight of this case,” a senior police official said. “Investigators are looking at every angle, including psychological evaluation of the suspect.” 

Meanwhile, the Trans Ekulu community remains in mourning, stunned by a crime that unfolded behind closed doors in one of its homes.

“We are devastated,” said a neighbour. “Two innocent lives gone, and a mother behind bars. No one wins in this situation."

Suspected terrorists attack immigration outpost in Niger State, k!ll officer and set his body ablaze

A Superintendent of the Nigeria Immigration Service, simply identified as Suleiman, was k!lled by gunmen suspected to be ISWAP terrorists at a service outpost in Lumma Sanke, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The officer lost his life on Saturday evening, July 19, 2025 when terrorists in large numbers attacked the immigration service outpost on the Babanna-Wawa road. 

According to a Daily Trust report published on Tuesday, the terrorists k!lled the officer and set his body ablaze along with their carbine.

Sources said a border patrol checkpoint manned by mobile policemen at Luma Ba’are in the same area was also attacked, but it could not be confirmed if there were any casualties.

Patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and private vehicles belonging to police officers were reportedly burnt during the attack

Residents told the publication that the attacks on the two locations were carried out simultaneously within a short time interval. 

It was gathered that another immigration personnel, identified as Ahmed, has been missing since the incident. 

Insiders in the Immigration Service confirmed the attack to the publication.

“The outpost is called Luma Immigration Service Patrol Outpost and is located on Babanna-Wawa road. When the terrorists carried out the attack, Officer Suleiman was k!lled, and his body was set ablaze. Another personnel, Ahmed, has not been seen, and there is no information about him yet," one of the source said. 

Another source added, “The attacks were carried out at the Nigeria Immigration Outpost, Luma-Sanke, and the Mopol Checkpoint at Luma-Ba’are, Borgu, Niger State. This is becoming unbearable. Terrorists are having a field day in the area."

 

 

A new experimental vaccine trains the immune system to target and destroy any tumor, offering fresh hope in the fight against cancer

 

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an experimental mRNA cancer vaccine that could potentially revolutionize how cancer is treated, with the possibility of becoming a “universal cancer jab.” 

The breakthrough discovery, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, marks a significant stride toward a single vaccine capable of targeting a wide range of tumours.

The vaccine works in a two-step mechanism often referred to as a “one-two punch.” First, it activates the immune system, and then it enhances the immune response against cancer cells. Unlike conventional vaccines that aim to prevent disease, this jab is intended as a treatment, designed to amplify the effects of existing immunotherapy.

In trials with mice, the vaccine demonstrated strong anticancer activity, especially when used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1 blockers. In some cases, the jab alone was able to completely eliminate tumours, including aggressive forms like melanoma and certain bone and brain cancers.

Dr Elias Sayour, senior author of the study, called the findings “unexpected and exciting,” highlighting that even non-tumour-specific mRNA vaccines can elicit tumour-specific responses. He noted the potential for these vaccines to serve as off-the-shelf treatments that sensitize the immune system to attack cancerous cells.

The jab increases levels of PD-L1 in tumours, making them more vulnerable to immunotherapy and aiding immune cells in recognising them as threats. Lead researcher Dr Duane Mitchell emphasised the broad implications of this method, stating that the approach could one day “wake up a patient’s own immune response to cancer,” and if applicable to humans, would be “profound.”

The research team, which has been studying mRNA vaccine technology for nearly a decade, previously trialled a personalised version of the jab in four glioblastoma patients with encouraging results. They are now working to refine the formulation and initiate human clinical trials.

If successful, this vaccine could become a transformative treatment option across multiple cancer types, shifting the paradigm in oncology from tumour-specific to immune-driven therapies. 

Ebonyi court releases 24 Biafran agitators after four years in detention

 

An Ebonyi State High Court, on Thursday, July 17, discharged and acquitted the last batch of 24 Biafran freedom fighters who had been standing trial for conspiracy and treason since their arrest on May 24, 2020. 

The presiding judge, Justice I.P. Chima, ruled in favour of a preliminary objection filed by the defence, which argued that the defendants had already been discharged and acquitted by other courts on similar charges and therefore could not be retried on the same facts. 

The objection was anchored on Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits double jeopardy — a legal principle known as autrefois acquit, meaning no individual shall be tried again for an offence they have already been acquitted of. 

Delivering the ruling, Justice Chima ordered the immediate release of the 24 detainees from custody, declaring their prolonged detention unconstitutional. 

Lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who represented the defendants, welcomed the ruling with praise for the judiciary. 

“This is a historic victory,” Ejiofor said. “These innocent citizens were kept in custody under recycled and repackaged allegations even after being discharged and acquitted by not less than five different High Courts in Ebonyi State.” 

The lawyer also called on the state government to consider rehabilitation and compensation for the released individuals, citing the emotional and economic toll of their long incarceration on their families. 

“Justice was delayed but not denied. Today marks the end of a painful four-year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced the clouds of oppression,” Ejiofor stated.

Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

 

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community. 

 

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councilor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

 

"Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

 

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report. 

Aisha Buhari, Zahra Buhari Indimi and other family members weep as late Muhammadu Buhari’s body is brought out of the aircraft

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Zahra Buhari Indimi and other family members wept as the body of late former President Muhammadu Buhari was evacuated from the aircraft that conveyed it from the UK to Katsina where it will be buried today July 13.

Mamman Daura speaks on Buhari’s last moment on earth

Nephew of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Mamman Daura, has recounted what transpired during the last moment of the former President.

In an interview with Thisday Daura revealed that he was with Buhari on Saturday, July 12 and that preparations were already made for the former President’s return to Nigeria.

According to Daura, efforts were being made to settle the hotel bills of those who had travelled to London in support of Buhari ahead of his planned discharge.

He explained that he left Buhari’s bedside in high spirits on Saturday, with plans to return on Sunday, as Buhari had looked forward to a scheduled visit by his doctor that morning.

However, things took a critical turn on Sunday as Buhari’s condition reportedly worsened around mid-day.

By midday, he began experiencing breathing difficulties, prompting doctors to intervene. Despite their efforts, the former leader passed away at about 4.30pm.

“We were together on Saturday talking and laughing and Buhari was in high spirits in the London Clinic where he was admitted. We talked about everything. He even had the plan to depart for Nigeria upon his discharge this week and made sure that arrangements were made to sort out the hotel bills of everybody who was in London on his behalf before departing. 

“I left him about 9pm on Saturday in high spirits and promised to see him on Sunday afternoon. He was looking forward to his doctor’s visit on Sunday morning.. But around midday, he started having breathing challenges and doctors rushed to his side to try and manage it. But unfortunately, around 4.30 pm, he gave up the ghost.” he said