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Death Toll Surpasses 500 in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict

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Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on the area of el-Hosh near port city of Tyre in southern Lebanon on September 24, 2024. (Photo by HASSAN FNEICH / AFP)

A Lebanese security source confirmed on Tuesday that an Israeli airstrike hit Hezbollah’s stronghold in South Beirut, specifically targeting two floors of a residential building in the Ghobeiri area. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information, revealed that the strike occurred just a day after a similar attack in the same area.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, stating: “The IDF conducted a targeted strike in Beirut. Details to follow.” While the military provided no immediate elaboration, the precision nature of the attack suggests a high-value target.

According to an AFP photographer at the scene, the strike destroyed two floors of the residential building and caused significant damage to nearby vehicles in the densely populated area.

This follows Monday’s “targeted strike” by Israel on Beirut, part of an escalating series of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified since the eruption of the Gaza war in October. On Monday alone, Israeli strikes across Lebanon’s south and east killed over 550 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry — marking the deadliest day of violence since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

So far, at least 558 people, including 50 children and 94 women, have been killed in Southern Lebanon. Additionally, the World Health Organization reported the deaths of four healthcare workers, with 16 paramedics injured in the bombardments.

Hezbollah’s leadership also came under fire in these attacks. Ali Karake, Hezbollah’s third-in-command, narrowly escaped after being targeted in Tuesday’s strike. A source close to the group confirmed to AFP that Karake had moved to safety. However, another prominent Hezbollah figure, Commander Ibrahim Aqil, was killed during an earlier Israeli strike on South Beirut on Friday.

The intensifying violence follows coordinated explosions targeting communication devices last week, which killed 39 people and injured thousands. The situation marks a new height in the already volatile relationship between Hezbollah and its longstanding enemy, Israel, as the cycle of retaliatory strikes continues to raise the death toll across Lebanon.

The Lebanese government and international organizations are calling for immediate ceasefires to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.

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Police Inspector Opens Fire in Calabar, Killing One, Injuring Two

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A police inspector, Effiong Bassey, has shot three people in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, leaving one dead and two others injured.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, describing it as tragic.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Ugbo Irene, the shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar.

She explained that Inspector Bassey had returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank when he began exhibiting abnormal behaviour.

“Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated,” the statement read.

Tactical Units and patrol teams were then deployed to the scene. However, Bassey, suspected to be mentally unstable, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition,” the police said.

The officer was eventually subdued, disarmed, and taken into custody. He is now undergoing further investigation.

Concerned by the incident, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, along with the Cross River State Command Management Team, visited the hospital where the victims were receiving treatment. The AIG also made a donation to support their immediate care.

The Command assured residents that it was working with key stakeholders to prevent any escalation of tension in the community.

It further urged the victims’ families and the public to remain calm, pledging a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring that justice, fairness, and equity prevail, and the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the statement added.

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Police Inspector Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot in Ogun

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The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of a police inspector, Ajele Oloyede, who passed away while on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Omolola Odutola, made this known in a statement, revealing that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Oloyede was attached to the 78 PMF in Zamfara State.

According to the preliminary report, the incident occurred on 14 March 2025 at approximately 13:20 hours. Tolorunloju Stephen, an officer attached to the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos, who was also on special duty at the company, recounted that he had just returned from Ikeja when he entered the security office and found Inspector Oloyede resting his head on a table.

“After exchanging pleasantries and briefly inquiring about his well-being, Oloyede responded positively,” Odutola stated.

However, moments later, as Stephen proceeded to the restroom, he heard a gunshot. Rushing back, he found Inspector Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.

“With the assistance of a private security personnel, the injured officer was immediately rushed to Ota General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor,” Odutola added.

She further disclosed that the firearm used in the incident has been recovered, and the deceased officer’s body has been deposited at the hospital for an autopsy.

Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, described the news as shocking and has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding it, including the possibility of foul play or mental health factors.

“The police were swift in contacting the deceased officer’s family, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for discreet investigation,” the statement read.

The Ogun State Police Command expressed its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Inspector Oloyede, assuring that all necessary support will be provided during this difficult time.

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No Suicide Note, No Warning: Family Shocked as Man Found Hanging in Ogun Forest

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A 25-year-old man, Toye Dominic, has been found dead, hanging from a tree in a forest near Alagbadagbo village, Ijebu Igbo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The discovery was made on Thursday by a local hunter, Kareem Oluwalose, who was on a hunting expedition in the area.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, stated that the hunter immediately reported his finding to the Ijebu Igbo Divisional Headquarters.

“After making the discovery, he sought help from a nearby village, where he met Joseph Dominic, the elder brother of the deceased. Joseph revealed that Toye had left for the farm earlier that morning but had not returned, prompting a search, which was fruitless by family members,” the statement read.

Upon arrival at the scene, police operatives and villagers observed that the deceased had set aside his farm tools before proceeding further into the forest, where he was eventually found hanging from a tree.

No suicide note was recovered at the scene, and the deceased’s family expressed shock over the incident, insisting they had no prior indication of distress from him.

“The police have documented the scene with photographic evidence, and the body has been transferred to General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for further examination,” Odutola added.

While the police have yet to confirm whether the incident was a suicide, the Command urged the public to remain vigilant and support individuals experiencing emotional struggles.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and seek support for individuals experiencing distress or emotional struggles. Mental health awareness and timely intervention remain crucial in preventing such unfortunate incidents,” Odutola said, extending the police’s condolences to the bereaved family.

She also assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Dominic’s tragic death.

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