News
Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy

Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy
By: Michael Mike
Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has punched hole in reason given by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) for inability of Nigerian athletes to attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following alleged visa delays by the Chinese authorities.
The embassy in a statement on Saturday accused the AFN of inconsistency in its allegations, expressing that the embassy has always assisted in such matters in time past and had equally not failed to give needed assistance in recent case.
The statement read: “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has noted that, according to Nigerian media reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position:
On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated April 22) requesting assistance in processing visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China.
“The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials so as to expedite visa application. On May 6, China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner. It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.
“We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.”
Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy
News
Bandits attack family on New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger

Bandits attack family on New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked a family travelling along the New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger State, leaving five people injured.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 4 p.m. near Ehka Kuka/Audu Fari village.
The victims, identified as Alhaji Fatayi Raheemi, 38, his wife, and other family members Fatima Nurudeen, 27; Munirat Isyaka, 25; Aishat Ismail, 25; and Rashidat Fatayi, 30, were reportedly shot at by the bandits while travelling in their Mercedes-Benz car from New-Bussa to Babanna town.
The gunmen opened fire on the moving vehicle, causing it to veer off the road, as all occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Residents said security operatives later arrived at the scene and evacuated the victims to the Primary Health Centre, Babanna, where they were receiving treatment.
The damaged vehicle was recovered to the Babanna Police Station, while efforts were ongoing to track down the assailants.
Bandits attack family on New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger
News
Gunmen kill one, injure two in Plateau attack

Gunmen kill one, injure two in Plateau attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have attacked Wereng village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one person and injuring two others.
Zagazola that the attack occurred at about 9 p.m. on Monday when the assailants invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately.
The victim was identified as Joshua Monday, while the two injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Riyom, for medical treatment.
Army troops and other security forced were said to have arrived at the scene shortly after the attack to restore calm.
Sources confirmed that the deceased’s body had been deposited at the hospital morgue, while an investigation was underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Gunmen kill one, injure two in Plateau attack
Crime
12 bandits killed, 2 soldiers injured in clash in Katsina

12 bandits killed, 2 soldiers injured in clash in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 12 bandits during a clash at Mabai village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 5:30 p.m., shortly after a peace accord meeting held at Kakumi village in Bakori LGA.
Sources said that the bandits, while passing in front of a military base at Mabai, engaged the troops in a gun duel, leading to the death of 12 of the assailants.
Two army personnel sustained serious injuries during the encounter and were referred to the Medical Centre in Katsina for treatment.
The sources said the situation in the area had since been brought under control, with intensive patrols and monitoring activities ongoing to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
12 bandits killed, 2 soldiers injured in clash in Katsina
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