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Real Madrid Condemn Hate Gestures As Vinicius Jr Racism Row Casts Shadow Over Benfica Tie.
Real Madrid may have advanced to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, but the spotlight at the Santiago Bernabeu was on the growing stand against racism and extremism in European football.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Spanish side secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica, yet the match came amid serious allegations against Vinicius Junior, who claimed he was racially abused by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg in Lisbon. The 19-year-old Argentine denied the accusation but was handed a provisional one-match ban after UEFA rejected Benfica’s appeal, causing him to miss the return leg in Madrid. Further disciplinary proceedings are still pending.
The first leg had briefly paused when Vinicius reported the alleged abuse, prompting Madrid players to leave the pitch. By the second leg in Madrid, the atmosphere reflected a strong anti-racism message, with a banner reading “No al racismo” displayed prominently to cheers from fans.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni reflected on the week’s events, saying, “I think there are more important things than this match, than football… Vinicius keeps his confidence and stays focused. They made the right decision by not letting Prestianni play. This is a victory for all of us.”
Vinicius responded defiantly, scoring in both legs and performing his signature dance celebration, later posting online that “the dance goes on.” Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold praised him, saying, “He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. He steps up when we need him the most and knows his quality.”
The night was not without other incidents. Shortly before kick-off, cameras captured a fan making a gesture resembling a Nazi salute. Security quickly removed the individual, and Real Madrid confirmed it had requested its disciplinary committee to begin expulsion proceedings. “Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society,” the club stated.
UEFA’s investigation into the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius continues. Prestianni’s suspension allowed the match to proceed without him, but the final ruling could have broader implications for European football.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Regional Development, has organised a high-level sectoral retreat bringing together top officials of the ministry and Regional Development Commissions to improve coordination, accountability, and project execution nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The retreat, taking place from April 15 to 18, 2026, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, is being spearheaded by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh.
At the opening session, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, while the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mary Ada Ogbe, was also present.
In his keynote address, Momoh described the gathering as a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration between the ministry and regional commissions in line with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He noted that the creation of additional commissions across the six geopolitical zones underscores the government’s commitment to addressing regional imbalances and unlocking economic growth.
He stressed that although the commissions have different regional mandates, they must work towards a shared national goal of inclusive and sustainable development.
Highlighting existing challenges, the minister pointed to issues such as project duplication, abandoned initiatives, and rivalry among agencies. He said the government would prioritise better coordination and accountability to improve results.
Momoh also announced plans to focus on completing ongoing projects before initiating new ones and revealed that performance bonds would be introduced for commission leaders to ensure efficiency and transparency.
He further emphasised the need to explore alternative funding options, including public-private partnerships, while maintaining strict financial discipline and due process.
According to him, key focus areas include infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, digital connectivity, security, and empowerment for youths and women, all aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister added that development efforts must remain people-focused, inclusive, and result-driven, with active stakeholder engagement at every stage.
The retreat is expected to produce practical strategies that will enhance collaboration among regional bodies and improve development outcomes across the country.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has convened a high-level security meeting with former governors and key stakeholders in a renewed effort to address the ongoing wave of violence in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the meeting comes amid fresh attacks in parts of Plateau State that have left several people dead and properties destroyed, worsening security concerns in the North-Central region.
The gathering follows recent violence in Anguwan Rukuba and nearby communities, where dozens of residents were reportedly killed, adding to years of recurring insecurity that has claimed many lives, including women and children.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, and Joshua Dariye, as well as former military administrator Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (retd.) and other key stakeholders.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Mutfwang said discussions focused on security, welfare, and the overall development of Plateau people, with special attention on the recent attacks in rural communities.
According to sources, participants reviewed the security situation and expressed deep concern over continued loss of lives and destruction of property.
The stakeholders reportedly agreed on a united approach to restoring peace, strengthening unity, and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
They also resolved to develop stronger frameworks to address the root causes of the violence, anchored on values of discipline, courage, and patriotism.
The late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was reportedly on a phone call with his twin brother moments before he was killed during a terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the incident, which occurred on April 9, 2026, claimed the lives of the senior officer and several other soldiers.
A family source told Vanguard that the General was speaking with his identical twin brother, who resides in the United Kingdom, at the time of the attack.
According to the source, the twins maintained a daily routine of speaking around midnight, but the conversation took a sudden turn that night when unusual activity was noticed at the General’s end.
He said the line went dead abruptly after the General paused during the call, apparently due to the unfolding situation at the base.
The twin brother reportedly made repeated attempts to reconnect, sending messages and calling continuously, but received no response throughout the night.
“He kept trying until about 4 am, but there was no answer,” the source said.
The family later confirmed the tragedy after a senior military officer contacted them around 6:30 am, informing them that the base had come under attack and that the Brigade Commander was among those killed.
The relative described the incident as devastating, noting that communication had broken down during the assault.
The late General was later buried alongside other fallen soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno State.
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