From Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to Big Tech on the ropes, this week brought a mix of outrage, infrastructure ambition, and global power plays. Danjuma says it’s time to take up arms, a cleric sparks fury over apostasy laws, Enugu wants to connect the southeast to the sea by rail, and the U.S. slams South Sudan with a visa freeze. Oh — and Google just lost a huge antitrust case that could reshape digital advertising.
Danjuma urges Nigerians to defend themselves as killings spike in Benue
As the death toll from violent attacks in Benue State climbed to 56, former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma declared the situation a “real war” and called on Nigerians to arm themselves. During a condolence visit to the affected communities, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the scale of the killings, which have been linked to suspected herders. In a forceful rebuke of federal inaction, Danjuma told Arise News that self-defense is now a necessity, reigniting debate over Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Islamic cleric backs death penalty for apostasy, stirs religious debate
In a move that has stirred heated reactions online, Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo, chairman of Nigeria’s Council of Ulama, publicly endorsed the death penalty for Muslims who leave the faith. His comments, posted on Facebook, cited both Hadith and Qur’anic texts as justification. Jalingo also criticized Muslims who question Hadith literature, accusing them of distorting Islamic teachings to suit Western liberal values.
Enugu unveils ambitious rail project linking southeast to Onne Port
As part of a broader push to boost trade and infrastructure in the southeast, the Enugu State Government has announced plans for a 135.5-kilometer standard-gauge rail line connecting several southeastern cities to the Onne Port in Rivers State. According to Transport Commissioner Dr. Obi Ozor, feasibility studies are complete, and the project will be developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and international partners.
U.S. cancels visas for South Sudanese in deportation dispute
Tensions flared between Washington and Juba after the United States revoked visas for South Sudanese nationals, accusing the East African country of refusing to repatriate its citizens. The dispute stems from a deportation case in which South Sudan initially denied the individual’s nationality. Although Juba later agreed to accept the person to preserve diplomatic relations, the U.S. responded by restricting travel for all South Sudanese passport holders, leaving many in legal limbo.
Google loses major antitrust case, faces possible ad tech breakup
A U.S. federal judge ruled this week that Google illegally monopolized the ad tech market, dealing a major blow to the tech giant’s dominance in digital advertising. The decision follows a two-year legal battle led by the Department of Justice and several states, who argued that Google used its control over tools like Google Ads and Ad Manager to squash competition. The court’s decision opens the door to a potential breakup of parts of Google’s ad business — a move that could dramatically reshape the online advertising industry.
Before You Go…
Putin Wants a Holiday Truce? Ukraine’s Not Buying It.
So, Putin popped up with an Easter “truce” offer, saying everyone should hit pause so civilians can go to church in peace. Ukraine, however, gave it the side-eye and basically said, “Yeah, we’ve heard that one before.” While Putin talked peace, rockets were reportedly still incoming — which is kind of like apologizing while throwing another punch. Ukraine’s response? Thanks, but no thanks.
It’s like the villain in a crime show asking for a timeout because it’s a holiday. Sweet gesture, sure—but maybe try not bombing anyone before handing out olive branches? Ukraine’s not buying the “holy vibes” angle, and honestly, neither is anyone who’s been paying attention.
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Trump’s Back… and So Are the Protest Signs!
Thousands of people across the U.S. hit the streets in fresh anti-Trump protests, proving that no matter what year it is, Trump is still a full-time job for America’s sign-makers. From New York to LA, crowds rallied against his policies, rhetoric, and 2024 comeback attempt — because apparently, democracy now comes with cardio.
💬 Say what you want about American politics, but the citizens stay ready with markers, slogans, and very creative cardboard. One thing’s clear: whether he’s in office or not, Trump continues to do what few can — unite people in protest, and give street vendors a banner-day in sales.
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An 82-Year-Old Sword-Wielding Grandma? India, You Win.
Most grandmas are into knitting, chai, and calling you three times a day to ask if you’ve eaten. Not this one. Meet Shyamala Goli, an 82-year-old from India who picked up sword-fighting — yes, swords — in her 70s and hasn’t slowed down since. She trains daily, performs at events, and basically puts all of us to shame.
💬 While some of us pull a muscle just getting off the couch, Shyamala’s out here living her best warrior life like it’s an action movie. Honestly, if a gang ever shows up at a cockfight again (see next story), she might be the one to shut it down. Someone give this woman her own Marvel origin story already.
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12 People Killed at a Cockfight?? What in the Telenovela is Going On in Ecuador?
What was supposed to be a rowdy night of roosters and bets turned into an actual shootout. Gunmen burst into a cockfighting ring in Ecuador and killed 12 people. Yes — 12. Over a cockfight. Authorities say it’s linked to escalating gang violence, but still… imagine explaining that headline to someone without sounding like you made it up.
💬 First of all, cockfighting is already illegal and problematic — add in armed gang members, and suddenly it’s less Fast & Furious, more Chicken Run: Cartel Edition. Ecuador’s been seeing a scary rise in violence, and honestly, the chickens might be the only ones making it out alive at this point.
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That’s a Wrap
From power plays in Abuja to courtroom drama in Silicon Valley, this week reminded us that chaos doesn’t take weekends off. Whether it’s Danjuma calling for self-defense, Google facing a digital reckoning, or an 82-year-old grandma in India showing us all up, the world continues to deliver stories that shock, inspire, and occasionally make us laugh out loud.
Thanks for reading.
Stay sharp, stay curious — and if you ever feel unproductive and unsafe, just remember: somewhere out there, a grandma is sword-fighting.
Catch you next week.
