NEWS

Three suicide bombers kill selves, 13 others in Borno

Published

7 years ago

October 24, 2017

FAB.NG

Three suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers have killed themselves and 13 other people as they attacked Muna Garage and Dalti community on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, with strapped Improvised Explosive Devices (IFDs).

All the suicide bombers were blown up in the blasts that rocked the city throughout Sunday night. Eighteen people were also injured. The Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu, who confirmed the death toll yesterday, said that the suicide bombers burst into the Muna Garage through the Maiduguri-Dikwa road that was declared open by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai in 2016.

He said the bodies of the deceased had been evacuated by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) rescue team, while the injured ones had been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for treatment.

Chukwu said that in the Muna Dalti community, two female suicide bombers detonated their explosives and blew themselves up. The blasts also injured 13 people. The male suicide bomber detonated his explosives in a crowded area, killing himself and 13 others. Five people were wounded.

“The Police Explosives Ordinance Department (EOD) and other teams have this morning been deployed to sanitise the blasts scenes and environs. The areas have since been active with the restoration of normalcy at Muna Garage and the road,” he said.

The Chairman of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ahmad Satomi, said the agency carried out rescue at the scenes of the blasts. He said the state government would provide free medical treatment to the victims.

Satomi urged the people to be vigilant and provide useful information on suspicious movements of individuals and groups of people to the military and security agencies.

“We have recorded about 13 suicide bomb attacks this year at the Muna area. This area is also vulnerable and I advise residents to be more vigilant,” Satomi said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has said at least three local government areas in the north-east region are still under the Boko Haram terrorists’ siege.

The revelation came weeks after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Buba Galadima claimed in an interview with The Guardian that seven local government areas were still under the control of Boko Haram terrorists in the state.But the military command in the north-east denied the report, saying that no part of Borno State was under the control of the Boko Haram terrorists.

When The Guardian contacted the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman on phone in Abuja he said “the theatre command will reply soon, just be patient.”

The UN, in its latest monthly report for September 2017, which was released by the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said despite efforts by the military, some locations in Borno State, including three local government areas, remained inaccessible to aid workers as a result of the threat posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

The report titled “North-East Nigeria: Humanitarian Situation Update,” said the Boko Haram hostilities that slowed down due to the rainy season might increase in the coming months.

“Insecurity, presence of mines, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ordinances have continued to slow down the response of humanitarian agencies in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

“Most roads to the south, south-west and east remain unusable due to security concerns and most humanitarian personnel movement is done through air assets. Cargo, however, is being transported via road with armed escorts as a last resort.”

According to the global agency, “No humanitarian aid is currently reaching locations in these LGAs outside of the LGAs’ main towns called ‘headquarters’. Major humanitarian supply routes towards the west, north-west and north are open for humanitarians without the use of armed escorts. Following advocacy efforts, Konduga and Mafa are now also accessible to aid groups without military escorts.”

The UN agency said it was battling with paucity of funds due to the failure of donors worldwide to fully meet their financial commitment towards the rebuilding of the north-east.

– Guardian

MOVIES

Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Rakes Box Office With ₦511 Million In Just 12 Days

Published

20 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa rakes box office with ₦511 million | fab.ng

Funke Akindele’s comedy film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has shattered Nigerian box office records by earning ₦511 million within just 12 days of its release.

FilmOne, the film’s distributor, revealed that this remarkable achievement makes it both the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. It is also the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million milestone.

“History Made! Everybody Loves Jenifa smashes records with ₦511M at the box office, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title and the fastest to hit ₦500M in just 12 days! Don’t stop! Let’s smash the record books. Watch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas near you,” the post said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FilmOne Entertainment (@filmoneng)

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved unprecedented success by generating ₦206 million during its opening weekend. It established a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history.

The film demonstrated its immediate appeal by earning ₦87.8 million on its first day. This set another record for the highest single-day earnings in Nigerian cinema.

Funke Akindele masterfully reprised her beloved Jenifa character, delivering a performance that perfectly captured the character’s signature humour and charm.

The narrative follows Jenifa through an engaging storyline filled with personal growth, fame-related challenges, and comedic situations that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigerian theatres.

Akindele’s marketing strategy proved exceptionally effective. Moreso, she implemented comprehensive social media campaigns and made strategic appearances at various cinemas to connect with viewers.

Her promotional efforts transformed the film’s release into a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional movie-watching.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.

These actors collectively bring depth to this comedy-drama that successfully weaves together humorous moments, emotional depth, and surprising plot developments.

Check out more movie updates here.

MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.

MUSIC

Adekunle Gold Reveals The Role Pheelz Played In Getting Him Signed To YBNL

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Adekunle Gold credits Pheelz for his YBNL signing | fab.ng

Adekunle Gold marks a significant milestone this December 2024 as he celebrates 10 years since releasing his breakthrough single ‘Sade.’

This debut track, which creatively reimagined One Direction’s ‘Story Of My Life,’ catapulted him into Nigeria’s mainstream music consciousness in December 2014.

The artist recently shared compelling details about his journey to stardom in an industry interview, particularly highlighting his unique path to signing with YBNL.

Before his musical breakthrough, Adekunle Gold cultivated a professional relationship with Olamide through his work as YBNL’s graphic designer, creating cover art for the label’s artists, including Lil Kesh and Viktor.

The pivotal moment in his career arrived when producer Pheelz discovered ‘Sade’ and advocated for Gold’s signing to Olamide, leading to a transformative partnership with YBNL.

Under the label’s guidance, Gold released his debut album, ‘Gold,’ which produced standout hits like ‘Orente’ and ‘Pick Up,’ earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

AG Baby, as fans affectionately call him, has demonstrated remarkable artistic versatility throughout his decade-long career.

He began his journey by crafting a distinctive urban interpretation of folk and traditional Yoruba music, later evolving into a dynamic pop star with the release of ‘Afro-pop Vol 1.’ His musical portfolio now spans five albums, each showcasing his growth and artistic range.

The singer-songwriter has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished artists, earning recognition for his exceptional songwriting abilities and commanding stage presence.

His performances continue to captivate audiences across Africa, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the continent’s music scene.

Gold’s journey from a graphic designer to a celebrated musician exemplifies his artistic versatility and dedication to his craft, marking him as one of Africa’s most sought-after performers.

Check out more updates here.