Nigeria port harcourt

Pupils kidnapped from a boarding school in Nigeria alongside members of their family and teachers have been released, an official has confirmed. All 42 people, including 27 teenage boys, 12 of their relatives and three staff members were freed on Saturday by gunmen who had been holding them hostage since 17 February. Niger state governor Abubakar Sani Bello tweeted to say they had "regained their freedom and been received by the Niger state government". After their release, boys were seen by a witness walking with armed security through a village, some struggling to stand and asking for water. A government official said the boys were aged between 15 and 18. Advertisement It comes a day after a separate kidnapping in Zamfara state where 317 students were taken from the Girls Science secondary school in Jangebe town. Kidnappings for ransom by armed groups, many of whom carry guns and ride motorcycles, are common across several of Nigeria's … [Read more...] about Nigeria: Gunmen release 27 teenage boys who were kidnapped from boarding school

More than 850 cows that have spent two months at sea on a ship crossing the Mediterranean are facing slaughter, following a report from Spanish vets. The cattle have suffered "hellish" conditions, according to animal rights activists. The Karim Allah vessel originally left the Spanish port of Cartagena to deliver the cattle to Turkey but were refused entry due to fears over bluetongue. The insect-borne bovine virus causes lameness and haemorrhaging among cattle but does not affect humans. After being turned away from Turkey , owners failed to find a new buyer for the animals. Advertisement The ship was subsequently rejected by several more countries, even to replenish animal feed, leaving the animals to go several days with just water. The ship was turned into a pariah vessel and it has now returned to its starting point in Cartagena. More from Spain Migrants found hiding in container of broken glass and sack full of toxic ash … [Read more...] about Over 850 cows on pariah ship in Mediterranean facing slaughter after bluetongue fears

Myanmar's ambassador to the UN has been fired a day after making a three-fingered salute in support of anti-coup protests - as he called on nations to use "any means necessary" to reverse the military takeover. Kyaw Moe Tun was removed as police arrested hundreds of demonstrators who showed opposition to the coup on 1 February. Myanmar's crisis took a dramatic turn on Friday when the ambassador made a three-fingered salute adopted by the protesters before the UN General Assembly. Mr Tun had called on the world to pressure the military to cede power and said he was speaking on behalf of the ousted civilian government of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He used an emotional speech to urge all countries to issue public statements strongly condemning the coup. Advertisement Mr Tun also urged the international community to "use any means necessary to take action against the Myanmar military and to provide safety and security for the people of Myanmar". … [Read more...] about Myanmar coup: Ambassador to UN fired after making three-fingered salute in support of protests