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Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador
Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador
By: Michael Mike
Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has said his country would stop at nothing to exterminate the Hamas group.
Freeman described as act of terrorism, the killings of about 1000 unsuspecting civilian Israeli citizens by Hamas group.
According to him, Israel would do what it ought to do to finally exterminate the Hamas group.
Freeman said, “So, Israel is going to react, we have declared war on Hamas.
“It is important to state at this point that this is not a war that is between Israel and Palestine, this is not about Israel and Palestine.
“This is about Israel and Hamas, this is about good and evil, this is about civilization and barbarism.
“Either you stand with people who are defending themselves or you stand with those who cut the heads of babies.
“That is what this is about, it is not about anything else.”
He assured of Israel’s plan to do everything within its ambit to avoid civilian casualties in the cause of the war against Hamas.
He mentioned that the Israeli move would not be about religion or Islam, Judaism or Christianity, but evil and good.
The ambassador further said that Israel does not desire war in any circumstances, but would remain committed to protecting its citizens in all possible ways.
“If Hamas will surrender this will be over tomorrow morning, if terrorism will be over that is not realistic.
“I am not asking the Palestinians anything, I am saying to the Palestinians I want a better day. I am saying this with focus on Hamas.
“I am focused on dealing with Hamas and I am focused on stopping it.,” the envoy added.
Earlier, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdallah Shawesh, underscored the need for application of international laws to resolve the lingering crisis between Palestine and Israel.
Shaweh, who made the call while briefing journalists in Abuja in view of the ongoing war between the two countries urged the international community to stop treating Israel as a nation above the law.
In his response on the Palestinian government position about Hamas, the envoy said the group is not a terrorist organisation.
According to him, there should be fair treatment of all parties, saying the lives of all individuals mattered and thereby, condemned the incessant killings ongoing in both countries.
Shaweh said, “ The group is not a terrorist organisation, but it is fighting the course of the people, to liberate their land from Israeli occupation.
“The ceasefire agreement between the warring parties depends on Israel, which own a comprehensive military formation with support from allies like the United States.
“Many women and children were killed, medical doctors displaced and Ambulances destroyed in the renewed onslaught, the oldest churches in the world was destroyed by the Israeli forces.”
Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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