The Case for Justice: Riley Moore's Push for Pardon of Sunday Jackson, Convicted in Nigeria

Channels News-

US Congressman Riley M. Moore has urged the Nigerian government to pardon Sunday Jackson, a farmer sentenced to de@th for k!lling a Fulani herdsman who invaded his farm while he was defending himself. The Republican made this appeal during a U.S. House of Representatives hearing regarding President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). He stated that the conviction of Jackson for self-defense is unjust. "I would encourage the Nigerian government to consider pardoning Sunday Jackson, who was fighting for his life against one of these Fulani militants," Moore, a Republican, said during the hearing on Thursday.

"That Fulani militant l0st his life in that conflict, and now Sunday Jackson is facing the de@th penalty. Where is the justice in that?" In 2014, Sunday Jackson was attacked on his farm in Codonti Forest by Buba Bawuro, a Fulani herdsman who had trespassed with his cattle in Adamawa State. Jackson claims that Bawuro pulled a knife and st@bbed him several times during the fight. In the struggle, Jackson managed to take the knife and fatally stabbed Bawuro in the neck.

Jackson was later arrested and charged with k!lling, despite his ongoing claim that he acted in self-defense. In 2021, a Yola court sentenced him to death by hanging, a ruling that the Supreme Court upheld. On March 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria confirmed the de@th sentence for Sunday Jackson. Photo Credit- Riley Moore Instagram Page/Channels Television…

Pope Leo XIV Addresses Allegations of Genocide Against Christians in Nigeria: A Closer Look at His Statements

-Daily Trust

Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Catholic Church, has dismissed allegations that Christians are experiencing genocide in Nigeria, highlighting that the violence in the country impacts Christians, Muslims, and other communities equally. He made these comments while speaking to reporters as he departed from his Castel Gandolfo residence in The Vatican. "In Nigeria, in some regions, there is indeed a threat to Christians, but it affects everyone. Both Christians and Muslims have been killed," he stated in response to a question from EWTN News. "There is an issue of terrorism. There are economic factors involved, as well as control over the land. Sadly, many Christians have lost their lives, and it is crucial to find a way for the government, alongside all communities, to foster genuine religious freedom." Daily Trust reports that the Pope’s comments regarding genocide follow President Donald Trump’s recent decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to alleged violations of religious freedom.

The Nigerian government has denied claims that Christians are being specifically targeted in attacks. Officials stated that framing the crisis as an assault on one religion misrepresents the actual situation. Daily Trust also reports that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, described the violence in Nigeria last month as a social conflict, often between herders and farmers, rather than a religious war. He made these statements during the unveiling of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need. On Wednesday, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, led a high-level delegation to the United States regarding the allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

Among those the Nigerian delegation met was Congressman Riley Moore, who was assigned by Trump to investigate the alleged persecution and report back. Ribadu’s team took the opportunity to explain the situation in the country to Moore, who remarked that the discussion was candid, straightforward, and productive. Photo Credit: Pope Leo XIV

Kidnapping of Catholic Priest in Southern Kaduna

SaharaReporters-

According to SaharaReporters, Bandits have taken Bitiyock Dominic Yahaya, the younger brother of the Paramount Chief of Kataf, Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya, during a late-night raid on Magamiya village in Southern Kaduna. According to SaharaReporters, this event took place around 11pm on Wednesday in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area. The attackers, who fired shots randomly, took the victim from his home and escaped to an unknown location. A local source confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters, and the kidnapping was further supported by an internal church message requesting prayers for Bitiyock's safety and quick return. The kidnapped person is recognized as a church leader in the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese. SaharaReporters previously reported that bandits struck the Southern Kaduna area of Kaduna State, leading to the kidnapping of a Catholic priest and several community members, along with one fatality. The Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese stated that the attackers targeted Kushe Gugdu village in the Kagarko Local Government Area, invading St. Stephen Parish and abducting the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal. In a notice to its priests, signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, the Archdiocese confirmed the event: “I write to inform you of the attack on Kushe Gugdu and the abduction of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Bobo Pascal, Parish Priest of St Stephen Parish... from his home during the early hours of today, Monday, 17th of November, 2025.” Concerning the casualties and other kidnappings, the Chancellor added, “During the attack, many others were taken, and the brother of Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero was killed. "We urge all people of goodwill to join us in praying for their safety and swift release from their captors, and for the peaceful rest of the deceased. Amen.”

SaharaReporters previously reported that the global human rights organization, Amnesty International, urged the Nigerian government to take swift and effective measures to ensure the safe rescue of 12 individuals, including a pastor from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), who were kidnapped by terrorists in a recent assault on Gidan Waya, located in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

photo credit: SaharaReporters

The international human rights advocacy group made this request in a statement released on Monday, November 17, via its X (formerly Twitter) account, and also confirmed that four individuals lost their lives during the attack. Amnesty International denounced the assault, which took place on Tuesday, November 11, characterizing it as part of a persistent trend of insecurity and governmental inaction in northern Nigeria.

The Reality of Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Insights Beyond Actress Bukola’s Statements

The number of church attacks in Nigeria has recently risen. After President Donald Trump announced he would send military support to help stop the killings of Christians in Nigeria, the country has seen an increase in attacks across different regions. In a recent video posted by Nollywood actress Bukola Arugba on her Instagram, she confronted the Kwara State First Lady regarding her comments about the church attack in Eruku. Nigerian actress Bukola Arugba has publicly challenged Olufolake Abdulrazag, the First Lady of Kwara State, for her remarks on the recent church attack in Eruku, located in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The unfortunate event occurred during a live-streamed program at a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Three individuals were confirmed dead, and several worshippers, including the pastor, were kidnapped. In her Instagram video, Bukola Arugba criticized the First Lady for labeling the incident as an "attempted attack." She argued that this description did not accurately represent the reality of the situation. The actress, who hails from the Eruku community, revealed that three of her family members—her aunt Titi Balogun and her cousins Ebenezer and Aina—were taken and are still held by their captors. photo/Video Credit: Actress Bukola Arugba's Instagram page

Violence in Nigeria: Gunmen Kidnap 25 Schoolgirls and Kill Vice Principal in Shocking Attack

Reuters-

Gunmen attacked a girls' boarding school run by the government in Kebbi State, Nigeria, early Monday, resulting in the death of the vice principal and the abduction of 25 female students, according to police reports. This incident marks the latest in a series of mass kidnappings in the northwest of the country. The attackers, armed with rifles and reportedly employing coordinated strategies, stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town around 4 a.m. local time. They engaged in a gunfight with police before climbing over the perimeter fence and taking the students, as stated by police spokesperson Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi. Vice Principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku was killed while trying to resist the attackers, and another staff member was injured by gunfire, he noted.

Police have reported that additional tactical units, soldiers, and local vigilantes have been sent to search for escape routes and comb the surrounding forests in a rescue operation. Northwest Nigeria has seen numerous school abductions by armed gangs looking for ransom, despite government promises to enhance security in the area. In 2014, the Islamist militant group Boko Haram kidnapped 270 schoolgirls in Chibok, a town in the northeast. While many of the girls escaped or were released later, some have never been found.

Celebrating 20 Years of Lanre DaSilva: A Fashion Icon

Lanre DaSilva celebrates a significant milestone, marking 20 years of revolutionizing luxury couture and showcasing African fashion on a global platform.

Since its launch in 2005, the brand has gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and unique blend of African culture and fashion couture.

Her designs have appeared in leading international publications such as Vogue, CNN, Elle, and others. Over the past two decades, LDA has dressed influential women from various fields including entertainment, politics, business, and culture.

Her creations have also been available in top global retailers, including the esteemed Dolce and Gabbana, a remarkable feat for an African designer.

Nigerian celebrities came together to celebrate LDA's 20th anniversary, including Shade Okoya, actress Iyabo Ojo, Priscilla Ojo Mkambala, Tiwa Savage, Toke Makinwa, and more.

Photo credit: Priscilla Ojo, Iyabo Ojo, Lanre DaSilva, Laure Ikeji Instagram page

Marburg Virus in Ethiopia: Current Situation and Health Guidelines

AFP- Nairobi

Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the southern part of the country, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). At least nine cases of this Ebola-like illness, which can kill up to 80% of those infected, have been detected. The Marburg virus is among the most lethal pathogens known. Similar to Ebola, it leads to severe symptoms such as bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, with a 21- day incubation period. Like Ebola, it spreads through contact with infected body fluids and has a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 80%.

On Friday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, confirmed that nine cases had been identified in southern Ethiopia, just two days after the Africa CDC was notified of a suspected hemorrhagic virus in the area. "Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia," stated Africa CDC on Saturday. "Ongoing epidemiological investigations and laboratory tests are being conducted, and the virus strain found shows similarities to those previously seen in East Africa." The Ethiopian health authorities have acted quickly to confirm and manage the outbreak in the Jinka region. They will collaborate with Ethiopia to ensure a strong response and minimize the risk of the virus spreading to other areas of East Africa.

Earlier this year, a Marburg virus epidemic resulted in 10 deaths in Tanzania before it was brought under control in March. In December 2024, Rwanda reported that it had successfully eliminated its first known Marburg outbreak, which resulted in 15 fatalities. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus, but rehydration through oral or intravenous methods and addressing specific symptoms can improve patients' chances of survival. Last year, Rwanda conducted trials for an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.