Military airstrike in Borno sparks outrage as political tensions rise
A controversial military airstrike in Borno has led to public outcry over civilian casualties, with the Nigerian military defending its actions. Political tensions have also escalated in Oyo State following allegations of a plot to dethrone the Olubadan, which key figures have denied. Omotayo Abioye, a UK-based Nigerian mother, has died of cancer, prompting calls for support for her family. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Supreme Court is set to hear major opposition party disputes, and diplomatic friction has emerged between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the Pope’s anti-war stance.
What we know
- The Nigerian military defended an airstrike on Jilli village market near the Borno–Yobe border, insisting it targeted a terrorist enclave despite reports of civilian deaths.
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, dismissed allegations by Ayodele Fayose of a plot to depose the monarch, calling the claims baseless.
- Omotayo Abioye, a Nigerian mother of three in the UK, died after battling breast cancer, with her family appealing for financial support for her children.
- The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear appeals involving leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, which could affect party leadership.
- Donald Trump criticised Pope Leo XIV over his anti-war message, while the Vatican denied reports of a rift between the two leaders.
